With San Antonio desperately fighting for a postseason berth, Kawhi Leonard remains out with a nagging right quadriceps injury, and Pau Gasol wants frustrated Spurs fans to take a deep breath before criticizing Leonard for not suiting up sooner.

“We humans tend to make a mistake of judging without knowing,” the 17th-year pro said. “So we don’t know exactly what Kawhi feels or has felt or has going on. I think you always have to honor people’s ethics and morals and desire to play and do what you are supposed to do.”

Gasol said he and his teammates remain supportive of Leonard.

“We want to have a positive mentality about it and not be critical,” Gasol said. “It’s not going to do any good (to be critical). We hope at some point, coming down the stretch, all the work he has done individually and throughout the season pays off and he can help us at the end. Hopefully, sooner rather than later because we don’t have much left and we are in a pretty tough position.

“(But) again, we have all been patient and understanding. It must be hard for a guy that is as talented as Kawhi is to have a season like this and to be in the position he is in. All we can do is support him and encourage him and hope that at some point he comes back to help us.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/pau-gasol-cautions-spurs-fans-critical-kawhi-leonard/feed/02016 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 11: Pau Gasol #16 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shake hands during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 11, 2016 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Spurs Players Say Kawhi Leonard Still Not Practicing With Teamhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/spurs-players-kawhi-leonard-still-not-practicing/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/spurs-players-kawhi-leonard-still-not-practicing/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 20:51:48 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=485268

Spurs wing Kawhi Leonard still isn’t practicing with the team, according to Tony Parker and Danny Green. Earlier this week, Gregg Popovich said Leonard’s medical staff in New York needs to clear him before he can return to the court. Both Danny Green and Tony Parker say that Kawhi Leonard still isn't practicing with the […]

“Like anybody else, he’s frustrated,” Popovich said before Tuesday’s game against the Orlando Magic. “He wants to be playing. He’s competitive. It’s been a tough year in that regard for him. But the first step is he’s got to be cleared by his medical staff that he’s seeing.

“Until he gets cleared, we can’t make a decision on when he’s coming back,” Popovich continued. “So, once he gets cleared, then he and I can sit down and talk and see what we think about an appropriate time to come back. But that clearance has to be obtained first.”

Asked when Leonard, who has only played nine games this season, does get cleared if the team will still consider allowing him to return, Popovich said: “That’s a negotiation between the player and the coach to figure out what’s best.

“He knows very well out history is pretty documented,” added Popovich. “If we’re going to err, we’re going to err on the conservative side because his career is going to be of paramount importance to us. It’s not the game or the playoffs or this or that. It was the same way with Tim (Duncan) early on when he hurt a knee one year, and we didn’t let him go in the playoffs. I don’t know if it’s going to be this situation. We don’t know. But his career is going to be paramount in our thinking as we make a decision.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-not-ready-return/feed/02016 NBAESSAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 6: Gregg Popovich coaches Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2016 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Tony Parker: Kawhi Leonard’s Return Won’t Be Easyhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-kawhi-leonards-return-wont-easy/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-kawhi-leonards-return-wont-easy/#respondTue, 13 Mar 2018 12:25:58 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=484631

Kawhi Leonard could return to the Spurs’ lineup this week from a nagging right quad injury, but point guard Tony Parker cautions that it may not be such a smooth transition for the two-time NBA All-Star.

Head coach Gregg Popovich is set to meet with Leonard today to determine the course of action going forward.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-kawhi-leonards-return-wont-easy/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 28, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Report: Spurs Targeting Thursday as Return Date for Kawhi Leonardhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-return/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-return/#respondSun, 11 Mar 2018 01:52:10 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=484261

At one point it seemed doubtful Kawhi Leonard would even return to the San Antonio Spurs’ lineup at all this year, but ESPN’s Lisa Walters reported before Saturday night’s primetime game between the Spurs and Thunder that Leonard could return as early as Thursday, a report that Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed. ESPN's Lisa Salters is reporting […]

At one point it seemed doubtful Kawhi Leonard would even return to the San Antonio Spurs’ lineup at all this year, but ESPN’s Lisa Walters reported before Saturday night’s primetime game between the Spurs and Thunder that Leonard could return as early as Thursday, a report that Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed.

ESPN's Lisa Salters is reporting that San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard could return as early as Thursday's game against New Orleans. League sources tell me that barring a setback, Thursday vs. Pels is indeed the targeted return of Leonard to the lineup.

Leonard hasn’t played since Jan. 13 and has only notched 210 minutes all year after making the All-NBA First Team in 2017. Leonard is averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in limited minutes this year.

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard has appeared in just nine games this season due to a right quadriceps injury. He last took the court on Jan. 13 in a win over the Nuggets. On Wednesday, the two-time All-Star told reporters that he plans to return soon. And as ESPN‘s Michael C. Wright further reports, Leonard is putting […]

Ran into someone on a flight that would know a lot about how hard Kawhi Leonard is working to get back. Told “the big dog” is putting himself through some insane workouts to get back on the court. Also told he’s close.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-kawhi-leonard-putting-insane-workouts-get-back/feed/0SLAMonlineKawhi Leonard Says He Wants To Finish His Career As A Spurhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-says-wants-finish-career-spurs/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-says-wants-finish-career-spurs/#respondWed, 07 Mar 2018 17:48:26 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=483571

Amid rumors that tension has been mounting between Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs organization, the two-time All-Star told reporters on Wednesday that he wants to finish his career in San Antonio, via Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News: Asked if he would like to finish his career as a Spur, Leonard said, “Yeah, for […]

Leonard also said that he intends to play this season and hopes to return to action soon:

Asked when he hopes to return, Leonard said, “Soon. I don’t have a set date right now. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. The progression that I am making has been great. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.” #Spurs

The 26-year-old, who could hit free agency after next season, denied that there has been any “friction” during his recovery process:

Asked if his course of treatment has created friction between him and the #Spurs, Kawhi said, “Everything was done as a group. I don’t feel like nothing was friction. I talk to Pop everyday. He knows what the progressions were, he knew what I am doing the whole entire time.”

Kawhi Leonard‘s 2017-18 season has been strange. After finishing second and third in MVP voting the last two seasons, the 26-year-old has only appeared in nine games and his lingering quad injury has been the subject of some rare drama in San Antonio. All signs point to a return for Leonard at some point in March. […]

Kawhi Leonard‘s 2017-18 season has been strange. After finishing second and third in MVP voting the last two seasons, the 26-year-old has only appeared in nine games and his lingering quad injury has been the subject of some rare drama in San Antonio.

All signs point to a return for Leonard at some point in March. And this is the offseason where he and the Spurs can negotiate on a supermax contract. This is also the summer that his current contract with Jordan Brand is set to expire.

ESPN’s reporting that Leonard’s representation “came ‘very close’ to completion on a new four-year extension worth more than $20 million. But discussions broke down abruptly because representatives for Leonard didn’t feel that the new deal reflected the forward’s accomplishments and standing within the league, sources said.”

Leonard has been one of the faces of Jordan Brand’s flagship sneakers. He’s received player exclusives colorways of the Air Jordan XX9, Air Jordan XXX and Air Jordan XXXI. He’s also been featured in a few Jordan Brand ad campaigns.

Leonard currently earns less than $500,000 from Jordan Brand. LeBron James leads the NBA in highest sneaker contract salary, earning $20 million a year from Nike.

Leonard’s contract with Jordan is over on October 1. He can start talking to other sneaker brands in July. Jordan Brand does hold a match clause, which will allow them to retain Leonard if they choose to match the sneaker contract offer he receives from a rival company. ESPN’s also reporting that there are no talks about a signature sneaker for Leonard at this point.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-working-hard-return/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs is introduced before the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Danny Green: ‘We Knew Kawhi Leonard Was Going To Be Back’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/danny-green-knew-kawhi-leonard-back/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/danny-green-knew-kawhi-leonard-back/#respondWed, 28 Feb 2018 18:49:48 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=482357

Perhaps Kawhi Leonard was never as “distant” and “disconnected” from the Spurs as had been previously reported. On Tuesday, Danny Green said that Leonard kept in contact with teammates and promised that he’d return to the court. Interesting comments by Danny Green at #Spurs practice. Said team has been in contact with Kawhi Leonard throughout […]

After seeking additional consultation on his quad injury, Kawhi Leonard has reportedly rejoined the Spurs with hopes of returning to the court in March. According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright and Adrian Wojnarowski, Leonard hopes to participate in full five-on-five practices in the near future. ESPN reporting with @mikecwright: Spurs star Kawhi Leonard has returned […]

ESPN story on Kawhi Leonard spending 10-plus days away from San Antonio in New York getting a second opinion — and how a return is based on the All-NBA forward choosing to manage the right quad injury. https://t.co/76FQANapeX

After spending 10 days before the All-Star break in New York consulting with a specialist to gather a second opinion on his right quad injury, All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard bears the burden of determining when he’s prepared to play again, sources told ESPN.

Leonard has been medically cleared to return from the right quad tendinopathy injury, but since shutting down a nine-game return to the Spurs that ended Jan. 13, he has elected against returning to the active roster, sources said.

The injury, rehabilitation and timetable for a return has complicated the Spurs and Leonard’s relationship, causing tension and fraying the fabric of what was once a strong partnership, league sources told ESPN. The uncertainty surrounding this season — and Leonard’s future which could include free agency in the summer of 2019 — has inspired a palpable stress around the organization, league sources said.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-kawhi-leonard-sitting-medically-cleared-play/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Gregg Popovich: It Would Be A ‘Surprise’ If Kawhi Leonard Returns This Seasonhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-injury-update-popovich/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-injury-update-popovich/#respondThu, 22 Feb 2018 00:30:00 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=480831

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard is not expected to return this season as he continues to recover from a quad injury. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said on Wednesday, “I’ll be surprised if he returns this season.” Leonard sat the first 27 games of the season, then returned to play just nine games before he was sidelined […]

Leonard sat the first 27 games of the season, then returned to play just nine games before he was sidelined indefinitely. In limited action, he has averaged 16.2 points per game with a PER of 26.26. He has not played since Jan. 13.

Popovich added:

“Well we only have X number of games left in the season, and he’s still not ready to go. If by some chance he is, it’s gonna be pretty late into the season, and it’s going to be a pretty tough decision; how late to bring somebody back. So that’s why I’m just trying to be honest and logical. I’ll be surprised if he gets back this year.”

Even without Leonard, the Spurs are in play for the 3 seed in the West with a 35-24 overall record. They return from the All-Star break on Thursday with a game at Denver.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-injury-update-popovich/feed/02016 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 speaks with head coach, Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 12, 2016 at AT&amp;T in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images)Report: Lakers Shifting Focus To 2019 Free-Agent Classhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-lakers-shifting-focus-to-2019-free-agent-class/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-lakers-shifting-focus-to-2019-free-agent-class/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 15:20:17 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=477682

With LeBron James set to hit free agency this summer, the belief was that the Lakers were going to make a serious run at signing both him and Thunder All-Star Paul George. But according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, the team’s focus has shifted towards the 2019 free-agent class, which could feature Jimmy […]

As the Los Angeles Lakers become more realistic about the franchise’s chances of snaring superstars in the free-agent class of 2018, the front office is increasingly looking through a longer lens in its team building process, league sources told ESPN.

The Lakers aren’t abandoning a summer pursuit of stars, but rather they are recalibrating their focus on a 2019 class that could include San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler, league sources told ESPN.

New developments this season have sparked the Lakers’ different approach, according to ESPN.

The belief has been that the Lakers were cutting an unapologetic path to salary-cap freedom for two maximum contract slots this July, clearing the way toward a pursuit of superstars like Cleveland’s LeBron James, Oklahoma City’s Paul George and New Orleans’ DeMarcus Cousins. Now, Cousins has a torn Achilles tendon, George has suggested to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols that the Thunder have an advantage in re-signing him, and James is believed to have a reluctance toward signing with the Lakers without an established star immediately joining him.

ESPN talking head Jalen Rose claims that he’s hearing Kawhi Leonard “wants out” of San Antonio. Leonard’s camp has disputed a report that the star forward has grown distant and disconnected from the Spurs during his long and frustrating rehab from a quadriceps injury. Gregg Popovich says there has been no change in Kawhi’s relationship […]

“Lots of players go get second opinions,” Popovich said. “Lots of players have trainers. Second opinions are good. It doesn’t indicate anything except for due diligence, making sure you’re doing everything you can to get a player back. Nobody wants to come back more than Kawhi Leonard. I think I’m No. 2. His teammates want him back, everybody wants him back. He’s a competitor. He wasn’t Kawhi Leonard when he first arrived, the one we know now, so that shows you how much work he’s put in to get here. He certainly doesn’t want to be missing games. So it’s frustrating for everybody but for somebody to come up with something about him and his teammates, it’s just silly.”

Popovich said the situation can only be termed a soap opera if the club talks about it daily.

“I don’t get it,” he said. “We won’t talk about it. There’s nothing to talk about, other than what we’ve already said. The rehab is going slower than expected. We wish it would have gone more quickly. And if we’re going to err, as we have in the past, we’re going to do it on the conservative side. We kept Timmy Duncan out of a playoff one year because of a knee, and he could have played. I don’t see this as anything different than we’ve done with any other player. Some people, for some reason, want to do that. That’s OK. It doesn’t affect our team or me or anybody else.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/jalen-rose-kawhi-leonard-wants-san-antonio/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard’s Camp Refutes Alleged Rift With Spurshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-camp-refutes-rift-spurs/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-camp-refutes-rift-spurs/#respondMon, 22 Jan 2018 22:21:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=474563

Months of discord centering on elements of treatment, rehabilitation and timetables for return from a right quadriceps injury have had a chilling impact on San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard’s relationship with the franchise and coaching staff, league sources told ESPN.

Under president and coach Gregg Popovich and general manager RC Buford, the Spurs have a two decades-long history of strong relationships with star players, but multiple sources describe Leonard and his camp as “distant” and “disconnected” from the organization.

In his pre-game session with reporters, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Leonard sustained a partial tear of a “little muscle in his left shoulder.”

The Spurs do not have a timeline for Leonard’s return, but Popovich did not rule him out for Monday’s game at Sacramento. The Spurs conclude their three-game West Coast trip on Friday night in Los Angeles for a game with the Lakers.

“I don’t think it will be a while,” Popovich said when asked how long he thought Leonard would be out.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-partial-tear-left-shoulder/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during game against the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)NBA Kicks of the Nighthttp://www.slamonline.com/kicks/nba-sneakers-2017-1212/
http://www.slamonline.com/kicks/nba-sneakers-2017-1212/#respondWed, 13 Dec 2017 17:10:36 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=469314

Kawhi Leonard made his season debut in the Air Jordan XXXII, Jordan Clarkson showed out and the Knicks and Lakers rocked some sick kicks.

Madison Square Garden was the site for some pretty notable sneakers as the Knicks welcomed the Lakers.

Kristaps Porzingis and Brandon Ingram have some of the best adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 PEs so far this year and both pairs were on full display yesterday. Porzingis went with his predominantly blue pair while Ingram rocked his purple number. Jordan Clarkson made sure to appease sneakerheads as he rocked the eye-catching “What The” Nike LeBron 11. Kyle O’Quinn got in on the fun with a wear of the “Arthur Ashe” adidas D Rose 7. Michael Beasley continued to rep the KD line heavy as he wore the “EYBL” Nike KDX.

In Dallas, Kawhi Leonard made his season debut last night and he had on a PE model with the Air Jordan XXXII Low done in white/black/grey colorway and adorned with his signature hand logo on the tongue. Pau Gasol had on his simple white/black Nike Hyperdunk 2017s while Dirk Nowitzki continued with his PE Hyperdunks.

Closing out, we circle back to the adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 as Andrew Wiggins donned a fresh green number and Jamal Murray went off for 28 points in his custom Nuggets joints.

“I thought he was wonderful,” Popovich said. “He’s trying to get some rust off and that kind of thing. Obviously, he’s confident. He’s a heck of a player, and it was really frustrating for him to just start getting loose and have to come off the court.”

Leonard didn’t take his first shot until the 9:15 mark in the first quarter, and Popovich subbed him out of action with 7:14 left in the quarter for veteran Manu Ginobili.

“I’m just happy to be able to be out there, just to play the game and enjoy the things I missed — missing shots, losing games, making mistakes — just everything,” Leonard said. “I understand the situation that I’m in, and we’re thinking about down the road. I didn’t play 30-plus minutes tonight. So, I don’t know where my conditioning is. I felt good tonight playing my 16 minutes. So, we’ll see what happens down the road. Just being out there to enjoy the moment and the Dallas atmosphere with my team and compete was just great for me.”

The Lakers scored the final five points of regulation to force overtime, but the Knicks never trailed in OT, riding 37 points from Kristaps Porzingis to a thrilling win at the Garden. Enes Kanter helped Porzingis out with 14 points (7-10 FG) and 11 rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 24 to lead the Lakers.

Kawhi Leonard returned to the court and provided a few highlights for the Spurs, but they still fell at Dallas, thanks to five Mavericks in double-figures. Leonard had 13 points in his return to help out LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 23 points and 13 boards. Harrison Barnes led the balanced Dallas attack with 17 points.

To no one’s surprise, LeBron James was nearly flawless on Tuesday. His 25 points came on 11 of 13 shooting. He also had just two turnovers and a career-high-tying 17 assists. That helped the Cavs win their 15th game in 16 tries, as Cleveland got going early thanks to nine first-quarter threes. Kyle Korver went 6-9 from three, and as a team, Cleveland shot 20-38 from deep. That was too much for Taurean Prince (24 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Kent Bazemore (20 points, eight rebounds) to keep up with.

Allen Crabbe’s three with 44 seconds left put the Nets up two, lifting them to a close win in Brooklyn. That helped overshadow Crabbe’s rough shooting night — he went just 3-15 from the field, with 14 of those attempts coming from three. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Joe Harris each had 16 to lead the Nets, and Bradley Beal led all scorers with 28.

Jamal Murray‘s 28 points were plenty for a Denver team still playing without Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic. Of course it helped that the Pistons committed 20 turnovers and shot 35 percent for the game. Langston Galloway had 18 points on 5-7 three-point shooting to lead Detroit.

The Kings used a 13-0 fourth-quarter run to pull ahead and hold off the Suns. George Hill led the way with 18 points and seven rebounds for Sacramento and T.J. Warren had 18 for the Suns. Phoenix has now lost four in a row.

76ers 118 (14-13), Timberwolves 112 (16-12) OT

The lead changed hands three times in the final minute of regulation, starting with a Jimmy Butler three with 47 seconds remaining. Joel Embiid answered 15 seconds later, before Butler hit another three with 17 seconds left. Embiid then drew a foul and tied the game at the line, sending it to overtime. From there, the 76ers took control, with Embiid and JJ Redick each scoring seven in the extra session. Embiid had 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, to go with 26 from Redick. Butler had 38 for Minnesota.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-garden-thriller/feed/02017 NBAENEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 12, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard ‘Probable’ for Season Debut Tonighthttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-probable-season-debut-tonight/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-probable-season-debut-tonight/#respondTue, 12 Dec 2017 11:55:34 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=469152

“Any team would like to have one of their best players back. That’s fairly logical,” Popovich said. “The team’s been playing well. We hope that it’ll continue as Tony and Kawhi get more minutes. There will be adjustments all the way around. Minutes will be different for different players. Just typical, it’s not that complicated.”

Original Story: The Spurs have listed Kawhi Leonard as “probable” for Tuesday night’s road game against the Dallas Mavericks.

“He’s looking good and practicing with us,” point guard Tony Parker said after practice Monday morning in San Antonio.”

Indeed, reporters ushered into the portion of the practice open to the media were greeted by the sight of a sweat-drenched Leonard shooting free throws. At previous practices, there were no signs of much exertion from the two-time All-Star and two-time defensive player of the year.

“We’re excited to have him back and see how he feels,” center Pau Gasol said.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-probable-season-debut-tonight/feed/02017 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - MAY 7: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court before Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets during the 2017 Playoffs on May 7, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Report: Kawhi Leonard Targeting Tuesday To Make Season Debuthttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-targeting-tuesday-season-debut/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-targeting-tuesday-season-debut/#respondFri, 08 Dec 2017 20:17:34 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=468820

“I still just have to go through more of the process, and I should be back soon,” said Leonard, who has missed the entire season to this point.

Pressed on whether he has a target date to return, Leonard said, “No, just whenever…Just based on how I feel (is) when I will be released to play.” Leonard said he’s been taking his rehab “day to day, week to week.”

“I’ve just been focused on (my recovery),” Leonard said. “It’s been a little frustrating. But my team is doing a great job right now holding its own.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-back-soon/feed/02017 Dylan BuellCHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on from the bench in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 21, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)Tony Parker To Make Season Debut, Says Kawhi Leonard Could Return In ‘A Couple of Weeks’...http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-back-kawhi-update/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-back-kawhi-update/#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 19:12:52 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=466962

After rupturing his left quad during the Spurs Western Conference semifinals matchup with the Rockets in May, Tony Parker will make his season debut for the San Antonio Spurs tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.

While talking with the media this morning, TP also gave an update on the status of Kawhi Leonard, saying that the Spurs’ superstar will still be out “a couple of weeks.”

Though Popovich will have the final word, Parker said he could see Kawhi back in about 3 weeks. Asked him how Kawhi looked while practicing with him #Spurspic.twitter.com/BUVqAEhCdk

“He’s close, but it’s still going to be a process,” Parker said. “You know the Spurs, they are going to take no risks. It’s going to be … a couple of weeks, three weeks, they are not going to take any risks, but he is looking good so far.”

“Never, never,” Popovich said when asked whether he has seen such a condition hampering one of his players. “What’s really strange is that [point guard] Tony [Parker] has the same injury, but even worse. They had to go operate on his quad tendon and put it back together or whatever they did to it. So to have two guys, that’s pretty incredible. I had never seen it before those guys.”

For the better part of the season, Popovich has replied “sooner rather than later” when questioned about Leonard’s potential return.

“I keep saying sooner rather than later,” Popovich said jokingly. “It’s kind of like being a politician. It’s all baloney, doesn’t mean anything.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-never-seen-injury-like-kawhi-leonards/feed/02016 NBAESSAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 6: Gregg Popovich coaches Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2016 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard Returning ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-returning-sooner-rather-later/
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Asked if there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for the Spurs’ linchpin player, Popovich said after shootaround Tuesday morning, “Oh, sure. He’s gonna be back sooner rather than later.”

The Spurs have been without Leonard since the start of the preseason. The club has yet to offer a timetable for his return, and Popovich said last week the star’s process toward recovery has been slower than expected.

“A team just has to play in a sense like he doesn’t exist,” Popovich said. “Nobody cares if you lost a good player, right? Everybody wants to whip you. So it doesn’t do much good to do the poor me thing or to keep wondering when he is going to be back or what are we going to do. We have to play now, and other people have to take up those minutes and we have to figure out who to go to when in a different way, and you just move on.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-returning-sooner-rather-later/feed/02017 Dylan BuellCHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on from the bench in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 21, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)Gregg Popovich: Kawhi Leonard Struggling With Rehabhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-struggling-rehab/
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“He’s just coming along more slowly, for whatever reason,” Popovich said of Leonard, who missed all of the preseason and the first 10 games of the regular season due to right quadriceps tendinopathy.

“It’s just been more difficult for him to get through the rehab routine. His body hasn’t reacted the same way. Tony is at the point where he has been going five on five and that sort of thing. He’s not totally confident. It will be a few more weeks. But he’s definitely going in the right direction, and so is Kawhi. It’s just been taking a little bit longer.”

Parker is recovering from surgery in May to repair the left quadriceps tendon he tore in the playoffs.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-struggling-rehab/feed/02017 Dylan BuellCHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs applauds from the bench in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 21, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)SLAM Top 50: Kawhi Leonard, No. 5http://www.slamonline.com/nba/slam-top-50-kawhi-leonard-no-5/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/slam-top-50-kawhi-leonard-no-5/#respondTue, 10 Oct 2017 16:43:07 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=460987

The ever-silent Kawhi Leonard has become the game's best two-way player.

Ben McLemore’s a good ballplayer. He stands 6-5, has a 42-inch vertical and has become nearly a 40 percent shooter from three-point land. And for anyone who forgot, the 24-year-old was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft.

But Kawhi Leonard made McLemore look like he couldn’t even dribble last October. On back-to-back plays, in the third quarter of a close game, Leonard stripped McLemore and took him to the rim, getting fouled each time. It was an embarrassing moment for the former Jayhawk. And it was a big-time flex for Leonard, a shining example of the Klaw’s complete powers.

Defense to offense, totally dominant with or without the ball–that’s how Kawhi Leonard plays now. The 26-year-old has developed into the best two-way player in the League. McLemore’s not the only opponent he’s made look foolish. He’s swatted James Harden, plucked Stephen Curry and shut down LeBron James.

Leonard is a rare do-it-all defender, one of only a few currently in the League (word to Avery Bradley, Patrick Beverly, Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert). He guards the other team’s best player, plays excellent help defense, hits the glass, patrols the passing lanes and closes out on shooters in textbook form.

What has separated Leonard from the rest of the NBA is his discipline. He doesn’t bite on pump fakes and he doesn’t reach unless he knows he can steal it. He’s figured out a way to make full use of his athletic gifts and meld them with his extremely high basketball IQ.

While a portion of his success can be attributed to Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ basketball factory, he has a skill that Pop couldn’t have ever taught him. He reads the court like a damn Rhodes scholar, anticipating on defense and then punishing on offense.

His offensive arsenal is just as thorough as his defense. Midrange fadeaway? Check. 88 percent from the foul line? Easy money. Posterizer? On 1,000. Catch-and-shoot three-pointer? He got the ratty. The cojones to take over in the clutch or any other time in the game? Without a doubt.

Leonard’s morphed into the premier small forward for the modern NBA game and he’s done it without every really saying a word. Which in the age of constant social media attention, commercials and round-the-clock coverage is very impressive. He really doesn’t want the spotlight. He just wants to hoop.

The proof is in the progression. He went from a 25 percent three-point shooter at San Diego State to a 25.5 point-per-game scorer in the NBA. He went from being the kid that was part of the George Hill trade to being a Finals MVP. He went from costing the Spurs the title in 2013 to winning it for them in 2014.

And now Leonard’s entering his prime. Popovich handed him the keys to the silver and black as soon as Tim Duncan retired, never once second-guessing the work that Leonard’s put in. Entering his seventh season, no. 2 is fully equipped with a foundation of expertise that he can only build on in the coming months.

Everyone’s already counting Leonard and his squad out. Golden State’s too good, they say. Houston and Oklahoma City have too many weapons, they say. Minnesota, New Orleans and Denver are gearing up for deep playoff runs, they say. But you can never underestimate the heart of a champion.

Just ask Ben McLemore how good Kawhi Leonard is.

Previous Rankings:
2013: 46
2014: 22
2015: 112016: 5

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2017-18—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

Leonard didn’t participate in Saturday’s Silver & Black scrimmage at the AT&T Center. Afterward, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich revealed Leonard’s injury is left over from last season and that he has been rehabbing it all summer.

“It’s gone a little more slowly than we thought,” Popovich said.

The Spurs open preseason play Monday in Sacramento. After five exhibition games, they kick of the regular season Oct. 18 at home against Minnesota.

“He will probably miss the beginning of preseason or a good deal of preseason,” Popovich said of Leonard. “We are not going to put a timetable on it. But he is working on it and we will get him back as soon as we can.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-preseason-thigh-injury/feed/02017 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 9: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2017 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)John Wall: ‘I’m the Best Two-Way Point Guard in the League’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/john-wall-im-best-two-way-point-guard-league/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/john-wall-im-best-two-way-point-guard-league/#respondTue, 05 Sep 2017 13:25:45 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=456920

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/john-wall-im-best-two-way-point-guard-league/feed/02017 NBAEWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 15: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the game on March 15, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)Top 20 Basketball Sneakers of the Past 20 Years: Air Jordan XXXIhttp://www.slamonline.com/kicks/top-20-basketball-sneakers-of-the-past-20-years-air-jordan-xxxi/
http://www.slamonline.com/kicks/top-20-basketball-sneakers-of-the-past-20-years-air-jordan-xxxi/#respondTue, 22 Aug 2017 17:36:35 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=455355

The high-performance Air Jordan XXXI paid tribute to Michael Jordan's legendary first sneaker.

Since the debut edition of KICKS hit newsstands in 1997, NBA Stars have graced the hardwood in countless fire sneakers. To celebrate KICKS’ 20th anniversary, we’re counting down the 20 best we’ve seen over the past 20 years—and the moments that defined them. At No. 11 is the Air Jordan XXXI, Jordan Brand’s high-performance nod to their heritage. –Ed.

The Sneaker: Thirty years before the Air Jordan XXXI, there was the Air Jordan I. Then, it was Michael Jordan who was the face of the brand. Now, it’s Russell Westbrook. “Thirty years ago, that’s me,” Mike said of Russ in 2016. Perhaps that’s why the brand decided—after a suggestion from MJ himself—that it was time to bring back the Nike Swoosh for a Jordan sneaker for the first time since the legendary Jordan I. Technologically speaking, though, the XXXI is lightyears ahead of its original incarnation. With full-length Zoom Air, FlightSpeed tech and Flywire construction, it’s a basketball performance beast.

The Moment: Russell Westbrook hit a nearly impossible game-winner and he broke Oscar Robertson’s single-season triple-double record in the same night. Why not, right?

UPDATE (1:18 p.m. EST): Penny Hardaway clarified his comments with an instagram post on Monday, saying that Kawhi Leonard dislikes the “media and endorsement side of being a super star.”

“Calm down people. I never said that Kawhi wasn’t a super star. I know that he is a super star. I only stated that he doesn’t like the media and endorsement side of being a super star. Best 2 way player in the league.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/penny-hardaway-says-kawhi-leonard-not-superstar/feed/02017 Getty Imagesduring Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Michael Jordan: Kawhi Leonard the ‘Best Two-Way Player in the Game’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/michael-jordan-kawhi-leonard-best-two-way-player-game/
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]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/michael-jordan-kawhi-leonard-best-two-way-player-game/feed/02017 NBAEOAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Manu Ginobili Highlights NBA’s Best Blocks Of 2016-17http://www.slamonline.com/media/slam-tv/manu-ginobili-highlights-nbas-best-blocks-2017/
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The Rockets seemed poised to take their talents to the Bay Area for a Western Conference Finals showdown with Kawhi Leonard out with an ankle injury in Game 5 of the second round. Manu Ginobili had other ideas. A then 39-year-old Ginobili swatted James Harden’s potential game winning three-point try in what will go down as the best block of the 2016-2017, according to the NBA. The Spurs went on to beat the Rockets in 6 games and move on to lose to the Warriors.

The best blocks also featured Ginobili’s superstar teammate, Leonard, who has a knack for ferocious swats. Joel Embiid bursted onto the scene in his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, cracking the top 10 with his swat of Cody Zeller.

The year following a season that was defined by the greatest chase-down block in League history by LeBron James to seal the Cavaliers first championship in franchise history, this campaign definitely made sure that the block remained a can’t-miss highlight.

Peep the video above for the best of the best from ’16-’17 and watch the one below to see King James give his opponents nightmares.

Everything’s on the line in the Finals. Every rebound or deflection could mean the difference in winning or losing.

The Finals’ high stakes, elevated pressure and intense magnifying glass make it the perfect place to debut sneakers. LeBron James pulled out the Nike Zoom Soldier 10 in last season’s mythical run. And if brands aren’t bringing new silhouettes, they’re making sure the current kicks get treated with eye-catching colorways.

With the exception of Dirk Nowitzki in 2011–it’s all good, he’s still a style icon–the last decade of Finals MVPs have won the ‘chip in either signature sneakers or PEs. In 2006, Dwyane Wade, who was the face of Converse, dropped 36 points in Game 6 while rocking the Wade 1. James has worn signatures in each of his three title runs, and Kobe Bryant captured his last two rings while wearing his own sneakers. Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker all joined the Finals MVP club in their own special colorways.

Check out the gallery above to see what they were wearing during their respective runs.

“I don’t blame everything on Pop, but what he said had a lot of influence (and) you had a lot of people where, unfortunately, you can’t control what everybody’s intelligence is,” Pachulia, who has an 8-year-old son, a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter with his wife, told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. “(Fans) just hear the message, and it’s, ‘OK, Pop said so and now let’s do this.’ It’s just wrong. You’ve got to think, and realize. Threaten me, but don’t threaten my wife or say something about my kids. It’s just wrong.

“Me as a person, as a man, I don’t mind dealing with it. But I hate to see my family deal with it. My wife and my kids who have nothing to do with it, who are very innocent. … I just hate my family going through that. They don’t deserve that. … I’m not blaming everything on (Popovich), but he was a very big part of it.”

When Pachulia was asked about Popovich’s comments a day after Game 1, his tempered tone had everything to do with the respect he still has for the 68-year-old who will go down as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Pachulia defended himself in those initial sessions with reporters, insisting there was no ill intent on the play and expressing disappointment for Leonard while avoiding any direct address of Popovich. But in the days that followed, when he had to close his Instagram account because of the threatening messages and was concerned enough that security became part of the school routine, his frustration grew.

Popovich, asked about the social media threats heading into Game 2, said he was done discussing the topic. For Pachulia’s part, he wishes Popovich would have considered the power of his words.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/zaza-pachulias-family-threatened-over-kawhi-leonard-injury/feed/02017 NBAEOAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Golden State Warriors signs autographs before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)Gregg Popovich: Kawhi Leonard ‘Likely’ to Miss Game 4http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-likely-miss-game-4/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-likely-miss-game-4/#respondMon, 22 May 2017 14:25:34 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=442199

Golden State is looking to put San Antonio out of their misery, and move on to the NBA Finals.

Per the Express-News:

“It wouldn’t make much sense,” Popovich said of playing Leonard in Game 4. “If he’s unable to play yesterday, I don’t think there’s going to be a miraculous healing by tomorrow.”

Leonard, who tweaked his already sprained ankle in the third quarter of Game 1 of the series after landing on Zaza Pachulia’s foot, missed the rest of that game and without him, the Warriors used an 18-0 run to overcome a 25-point deficit to win, 113-111. Leonard also missed the Spurs’ 136-100 loss to the Warriors in Game 2, and their 120-108 loss in Game 3.

Popovich even mustered up a bit of humor, joking that the Spurs have the Warriors right where they want them.

“Those guys were out til 4 last night, eating sundaes and eating burgers and all of that,” he said. “They’ll probably get up today at about 2 in the afternoon. They’re going to play poker all afternoon, stay out again tonight, and we’ll have our way with them.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-kawhi-leonard-likely-miss-game-4/feed/02017 NBAEOAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs his legs after an injury in Game One of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)James Harden, LeBron James Headline 2016-17 All-NBA Teamshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-lebron-james-2016-17-all-nba-teams/
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A judge denied Juan Vasquez’s request for a temporary restraining order against Pachulia, which would have essentially barred the injured center from suiting up in the Western Conference Finals again.

Per KSAT 12:

The lawsuit claims the injury has impacted fans, community, season-ticket holders and businesses that promote the Spurs.

“All we are asking from the court is that this type of behavior, that can and does cause serious injury to our team and those that love it, not be allowed in San Antonio,” lead attorney Alfonso Kennard Jr. said.

State District Judge Norma Gonzales on Wednesday denied the temporary restraining order.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/spurs-fan-sues-zaza-pachulia-warriors-kawhi-leonard-injury/feed/02017 Getty Imagesduring Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Bruce Bowen Says Zaza Pachulia Intentionally Tried To Injure Kawhi Leonardhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/bruce-bowen-zaza-pachulia-intentionally-tried-injure-kawhi-leonard/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/bruce-bowen-zaza-pachulia-intentionally-tried-injure-kawhi-leonard/#respondTue, 16 May 2017 20:30:58 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=441446

Known as a “dirty” player in his day, Bowen weighed in on the play where Kawhi Leonard landed on Pachulia’s foot and twisted his ankle. (Kawhi was forced to leave Game 1 and remains questionable for Game 2.)

https://youtu.be/KjltILEVZrw

Via Bleacher Report:

“That play? I’ve watched it and, yeah, I thought he took an extra step.

“Plenty of time to stop where he did, but he continued moving in that direction of Kawhi.

“That seems like it’s intentional and it’s definitely dangerous.”

The irony of Bowen’s comments, of course, is that Bowen was once synonymous with stepping under shooters.

“My approach to this game for 14 years that I’ve been in the league is to play hard and [give] 100 percent of whatever I have,” Pachulia said in response to Popovich on Monday after practice. “So, I don’t agree with the calls that I’m a dirty player. I’m not a dirty player. I love this game and I’m playing hard. That’s what I was taught since day one.”

The NBA said Monday that Pachulia will not face any discipline and that the play will stand as called.

Warriors acting coach Mike Brown said Popovich is just protecting his guys. He also added that Pachulia’s incident wasn’t the only questionable play, and another one involved the back-to-back MVP.

“Steph [Curry] shot the ball and LaMarcus Aldridge went to contest and he went up underneath Steph and Steph avoided landing on his ankle by falling to the ground,” Brown said. “And I even asked two of the three officials, I said ‘Hey, that’s the same call you just called on Zaza’ and both of them told me the difference was Kawhi landed on Zaza’s foot. Steph avoided landing on LaMarcus’ foot and that’s why they didn’t call a foul. It’s the same play. Zaza is not a dirty player. LaMarcus is not a dirty player. It’s a tough basketball play. You hate to see anybody get injured on a situation like that. But you go back and watch the film, they’re both identical.”

Pop said Pachulia took a “two-step, lead-with-your-foot closeout” that was meant to injure Leonard.

https://youtu.be/KjltILEVZrw

Calling it an “unsportsmanlike” play, Pop went on to list three instances of Pachulia’s “dangerous” play against the Spurs from last season alone—elbowing Patty Mills, locking Kawhi’s arm, getting into it with David West.

“A two-step, lead-with-your-foot closeout is not appropriate.

“It’s dangerous, it’s unsportsmanlike, it’s just not what anybody does to anybody else. And this particular individual has a history with that kind of action.

“A totally unnatural closeout that the League has outlawed years ago and pays great attention to it. And Kawhi is not there. And you want to know how we feel about it. You want to know if that lessens our chances or not.

“We’re playing very possibly the best team in the League—we don’t know what’s going to happen in the East—and 9.75 people out of 10 would figure the Warriors will beat the Spurs.

“Well, we’ve had a pretty damn good season, we’ve played fairly well in the playoffs, I think we’re getting better, and we’re up 23 points in the third quarter against Golden State. And Kawhi goes down, like that.

“And you want to know if our chances are less, and you want to know how we feel? That’s how we feel.”

Pachulia chose not to respond to Popovich’s comments on Monday, and maintained that he closed out properly against Leonard’s shot.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-rips-zaza-pachulia-unsportsmanlike-play-kawhi-leonard/feed/0SLAMonlineDraymond Green: ‘You Want To See Kawhi Leonard Get Back Out There’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/draymond-green-want-see-kawhi-leonard-get-back/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/draymond-green-want-see-kawhi-leonard-get-back/#respondMon, 15 May 2017 16:52:47 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=441119

San Antonio surprised everyone by taking a 62-42 lead into the half. Despite missing the previous game with an ankle injury, Kawhi Leonard did not appear rusty, posting 18 points and 8 rebounds in those first two quarters alone.

Golden State proceeded to storm back, outscoring San Antonio 58-33 in the 19:53 that Leonard was off the floor. Stephen Curry (40 points, 7 rebounds) and Kevin Durant (34 points, 5 rebounds) put on a show.

The Suns, of course, selected Markieff Morris, who Phoenix and eventually traded for the No. 13 pick in the 2016 draft (Georgios Papagiannis).

But with a front office conducting its first draft in Phoenix, then-General Manager Lance Blanks’ staff did not have Leonard in the discussion. Part of the Suns’ knock on Leonard, beyond his perimeter shot, was how nervously he acted in a draft combine interview, when he sweated through his suit.

The Suns chose among Markieff and Marcus Morris and Iman Shumpert. There was more pre-draft talk about reconsidering Jimmer Fredette than Leonard.

If it’s any consolation, 11 other teams passed on Leonard (in the case of Cleveland and Utah, twice) before the Spurs finally selected him 15th overall.

How Leonard fell out of the lottery could go down as one of the biggest NBA Draft gaffs in the history of the sport.

San Antonio holds a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series against the Rockets.

Per the Express-News:

Leonard suffered a sprained left ankle in the middle of the third quarter of Game 5 on Tuesday, missing the end of the fourth and all of overtime in the Spurs’ 110-107 win in Game 5. He injured the ankle after inadvertently stepping on James Harden’s foot while chasing a loose ball./em>

After Tuesday’s game, Leonard — the Spurs’ top defender and leading scorer — seemed confident in his intentions.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-questionable-game-6/feed/02017 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 9: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2017 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard: ‘I’m Gonna Be Able To Play’ in Game 6 vs Rocketshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-im-gonna-able-play-game-6-vs-rockets/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-im-gonna-able-play-game-6-vs-rockets/#respondWed, 10 May 2017 15:47:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=440476

This one was all about Manu Ginobili (12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), who turned back the clocks with an incredible performance. The vet was not only dunking on people, but also had the game-saving block on Harden.

The Beard had a triple-double (33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), but turned the ball over nine times.

Both teams struggled offensively in the 4th quarter and OT, combining for 46 total points. San Antonio (and Danny Green specifically, who scored 7 of the Spurs’ 9 in the extra period) just made more plays down the stretch.

San Antonio was without Tony Parker for the first time in the playoffs since 2001, and the team didn’t seem to skip a beat.

Sure, Parker wasn’t the same impact player as in years past, but he was putting up 15.9 points on 52.6 percent shooting so far in the postseason. His experience and leadership on the court will be missed.

But Game 3 was all about Kawhi Leonard, who had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. He looked like the best player on the court, affecting the game in all aspects.

Teammate Manu Ginobili said Parker was still hurting and unable to put any weight on his left leg after the game.

“It’s hard to see him limping and hurting now,” Ginobili said. “You kind of know that we’re not going to see him anytime soon. So, that’s a tough blow. We’ll see, we don’t know.”

The injury dampened a complete turnaround for the Spurs, who responded to a 126-99 defeat Monday with a similar domination in Game 2.

“I think we were able to get a feel for them in the first game,” Leonard said. “Just trying to contest all shots, limit them to one possession, don’t let them rebound the basketball on the offensive end and just get them off the 3-point line.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-drops-34-points-houston-game-2/feed/02017 Getty ImagesSAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 03: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at AT&amp;T Center on May 3, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Post Up: Bron’s Worldhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-brons-world/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-brons-world/#respondThu, 04 May 2017 05:06:29 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=439402

“He can pretty much do everything,” says Ariza, who guarded Leonard about 65 percent of the time during their regular-season matchups. “He’s not just one-dimensional. He scores in a variety of ways—post-ups, pull-up jumpers, threes. He can create, other players can create for him, he can play off the ball.

“You really have to pay attention to him the whole game.”

With his two-way aggression, mid-range skills and nimble footwork, Leonard is drawing comparisons to Bryant, Ariza’s former Lakers teammate.

“Me and Lou [Williams] had this conversation the other day,” Ariza says. “I told him I felt like he has some of like Kobe moves and stuff in him.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/trevor-ariza-kawhi-leonard-kobe-moves/feed/02016 NBAELOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game on January 22, 2016 at STAPLES Center in Lost Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Gregg Popovich Calls Kawhi Leonard the NBA’s Best Playerhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-calls-kawhi-leonard-nbas-best-player/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-calls-kawhi-leonard-nbas-best-player/#respondFri, 28 Apr 2017 13:25:46 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=438402

Kawhi Leonard is "the best player in the League" according to Gregg Popovich.

Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points, and the Spurs advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by beating Memphis 103-96 on Thursday night to take the series 4-2.

“I’m seriously thrilled that we were able to get through that first round,” Popovich said. “That’s the good news. The bad news is that now we have to go play Houston.”

[Tony] Parker added 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting, while LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and 12 rebounds. San Antonio outrebounded Memphis 46-28, with 16 of those offensive boards. That led to 17 second-chance points.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/gregg-popovich-calls-kawhi-leonard-nbas-best-player/feed/02017 NBAEPORTLAND, OR - APRIL 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands for the National Anthem before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 10, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard Not Interested In Being The ‘Second-Best Player in The World’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-not-interested-second-best-player/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-not-interested-second-best-player/#respondWed, 26 Apr 2017 17:37:14 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=438006

For a second, it looked like Russell Westbrook was going to propel the Thunder to a big time win on the road. The Brodie had 20 points in the third, giving his team a five-point cushion heading into the final period.

The Spurs/Grizzlies series has turned out to one of the best battles of the postseason. After tonight’s Grizzlies’ win (and instantly classic game), we’re knotted at 2-2. Kawhi Leonard did everything he could to make sure that his team won the game. He scored 16 straight points to close out the fourth and wound up with 43 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals. He was absolutely everywhere, on both sides of the ball.

But Mike Conley was also putting in that good work. The man who got paid $153 million delivered on every penny of that contract with his 35 point, 9 rebound and 8 assist performance. He stepped up in the fourth to make the bucket that sent the game to overtime. He dictated the pace. He didn’t back down. He had 11 points in the fourth and then 5 more in the extra session.

Watch the highlights of the quiet superstars above. The series shifts back to San Antonio on Tuesday.

Kawhi Leonard’s game is built on fundamentals. He doesn’t look to entertain the crowd every time down and he keeps quiet even when he drops a light 25 points. But at 25-years-old, Leonard’s athletic ability is still in peak form. He can rise up with the utmost ease and take advantage of his strength and quickness.

So when he does take to the air, the fundamentally sound superstar can provide a nice highlight. It’s pretty rare for Vince Carter to get a taste of his own medicine, too.

“Memphis is a physical team,” Leonard said. “They’re doing a great job of throwing a lot of bodies at me. The refs were really paying attention and I was able to get to the line.”

Leonard impeccable 19-of-19 performance from the free throw line stands as one of the more remarkable in league annals. […] Only Dirk Nowitzki (24 of 24) and Paul Pierce (21 of 21) ever took more free throws without a miss in postseason history.

“Overall, 35 times we shot the ball in the paint, we had 15 free throws for the game,” (Grizzlies head coach David) Fizdale said. “They shot 18 times in the paint, and had 32 free throws. Kawhi shot more free throws than our whole team. Explain it to me.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/shaq-kawhi-leonard-nbas-second-best-player/feed/02017 Getty ImagesSAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 17 : Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&amp;T Center on April 17, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)Dave Fizdale: Refs ‘Did Not Even Give Us a Chance’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/dave-fizdale-refs-not-even-give-us-chance/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/dave-fizdale-refs-not-even-give-us-chance/#respondTue, 18 Apr 2017 14:20:45 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=436419

Kawhi Leonard, en route to 37 points, attempted more free throws (19) than Memphis had as a team (15).

Per the AP:

Leonard had a postseason career-high 37 points and added 11 rebounds, and San Antonio beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-82 on Monday night to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

San Antonio led for all but 13 seconds in winning its 10th consecutive postseason game over Memphis.

“We don’t get the respect that these guys deserve because Mike Conley doesn’t go crazy, he has class and he just plays the game,” Fizdale said. “But I’m not going to let them treat us that way. I know (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has) got pedigree and I’m a young rookie, but they are not going to rook us. That’s unacceptable, that was unprofessional. My guys dug in that game and earned the right to be in that game, and they did not even give us a chance.”

Indiana trailed by just 5 at the half, but Cleveland dominated the third quarter (33-20). Led by Paul George, who had 32 points overall, the Pacers chipped away in the final period, but could never quite get there.

Game 3 is Thursday.

Spurs 96, Grizzlies 82 (San Antonio leads 2-0)

San Antonio came out of the gates firing, and took a 19-point lead into the half.

The Grizz clawed their way back in the last two quarters, thanks in large part to Mike Conley (24 points 8 assists) and Z-Bo (18 points, 10 rebounds).

But this game was really all about Kawhi. With Memphis knocking on the door, the Klaw helped keep the Spurs on top. He dropped a playoff career-high 37 points on 9/14 from the field and 19/19 from the line.

Gregg Popovich calls the selection of Leonard with the 15th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft—which meant trading away George Hill—the most difficult decision of his career.

Per Bleacher Report:

Gregg Popovich (head coach, Spurs): “The toughest in whatever, 20, whatever years I’ve been coaching here as a head coach. It’s not even close. We were scared to death sitting in the room. I think it was the 15th pick, if I remember, and when we got to 11, 12, 13. Danny Ferry, our CEO, and I were looking at each other saying, ‘Are we really going to do this?’

“[Hill] was one of my favorite players. He was important to us, but we needed to get bigger. … So in the end, we said we’re going to roll the bones and we’re going to do it, but I can’t tell that at that point we knew that Kawhi was going to be what he is today. That would be an exaggeration.”

Mike Budenholzer (former Spurs assistant coach): “I would say it’s a little bit of a funny story. … I just think he wasn’t real impressive during his lockout workouts. The guys would get organized and they would work out together on their own and then when the lockout ends, you kind of get a little bit of feedback like, ‘How is this guy doing? How’s that guy doing?’

“It’s a great story now, because Kawhi is obviously f–king kicking ass and a hell of a player. But I will say there were not a lot of people that were real impressed with him in those workouts.”

Toronto shot 59% from the field and 67% from deep and cruised to a sixth straight victory. DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 36 points on 13/21.

Orlando brought it on the offensive end (49% shooting), but just couldn’t buy a stop.

Knicks 109 (28-46), Pistons 95 (34-40)

Detroit’s struggles continued tonight, as they allowed the Knicks to shoot 54% from the field and lost for the fourth consecutive time. The four teams that beat them: Brooklyn, Chicago, Orlando, and now New York. They are now 1.5 games out of the No. 8 spot in the east.

Rose (27p), Porzingis (25p), and Melo (21p) all showed out.

Spurs 103 (57-16), Cavaliers 74 (47-26)

San Antonio absolutely dominated this one, holding the Cavs to 37% shooting from the field and 15% from three. And the game had serious implications…

With the MVP race heating up, Russell Westbrook made a big statement tonight: 37 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and the game-winner. That’s three consecutive triple-doubles and 37 on the season.

The Thunder trailed by 13 with under four minutes remaining but finished on a 14-0 run.

Kings 91 (29-45), Grizzlies 90 (40-34)

After rallying from 18 down in the 4th to beat the Clippers yesterday, the Kings knocked off another solid playoff team tonight.

Trailing by 1 in the final seconds, Darren Collison got fouled and sunk two clutch free throws. Z-Bo then missed the potential game-winner at the buzzer. The Grizz were without Marc Gasol and shot 34% from the field and 19% from three.

Jazz 108 (45-29), Pelicans 100 (31-43)

It was a battle of big men in Utah tonight. Rudy Gobert posted 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 blocks; and Anthony Davis put up 36 points, 17 boards, and 3 blocks in the losing effort.

As a team, the Jazz connected on 15 of 27 three-point attempts (56%). Joe Ingles was 5/5 from behind the arc and had 19 big points.

It was well over 30 years ago that Michael Jordan made us believe man was destined to fly. His aerial assaults made us fall in love with the game. We wanted to be like him. We wanted to fly.

He was playing the with Bulls of course and had to wear their red and black colors most of the time. But Mike’s favorite color is actually royal blue. And the first Air Jordan I released to the public–the people’s first chance to fly–was decked out in royal blue and black.

In 1985, Nike put MJ on an airstrip in Oregon, waited for the sun to rise and captured the “Royal” Is with an iconic photo. Since then, the colorway has, in turn, become iconic.

The “Flight Guy” photo has now given way to Jordan Brand’s “Flight Guy” pack, which brings the “Royal” Is back, alongside a similar Air Jordan XXXI colorway. It connects the past with the present, from Michael Jordan to Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers clinched a postseason berth in Saturday’s matinee, riding Jamal Crawford‘s 28-point showing (including 17 in the fourth quarter alone). Rudy Gobert filled his stat sheet as usual (26p, 14r for the Stifle Tower) and Joe Johnson added 17 points, but Utah has now gone 1-4 over their last five. Gobert didn’t call out anyone by name, but clearly wasn’t happy with his team’s showing.

“I think everybody needs to think about making plays for the team, making winning plays, before thinking about how many points we’re going to score and stuff like that,” Gobert said. “Everybody has to be ready to sacrifice. In the playoffs, it’s not going to be pretty. There’s going to be some games where you don’t score. But are you going to take a charge for a teammate? Are you going to come and box out DeAndre [Jordan] for a teammate?”

Wizards 127 (45-28), Cavaliers 115 (47-25)

Despite suffering an eye injury in Friday’s game, LeBron James was stellar against Washington; scoring 24 points while coming just two assists shy of a triple-double. John Wall and the Wizards, however, were just too much for the defending champs, shooting a combined 59.8% from the field in a road win. Bradley Beal added 27 points in the victory, while Kelly Oubre provided 16 off the bench. Having gone .500 over their last 10 games, the Cavs are hearing footsteps atop the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks fought valiantly in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 31-17, but this one was otherwise all Spurs. Kawhi Leonard went for 29 points while LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol each had 19 points with 10 rebounds. With Saturday’s W, the Spurs have now beaten every team in the NBA this season.

Despite the loss, this one had to be pretty cool for Willy Hernangomez. Playing against Gasol, who mentored Hernangomez during the Summer Olympics, Willy recorded a career-high 24 points with 13 boards.

Raptors 94 (44-29), Mavericks 86 (31-41)

Serge Ibaka and DeMar DeRozan scored 18 points apiece while Patrick Patterson added 14, helping Toronto stay within one game of the third seed. The Raptors, who clinched a postseason spot in their fifth straight victory, scored the game’s first seven points and never trailed. Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 23 points, but offense was otherwise hard to come by for Rick Carlisle’s squad; Nerlens Noel was held to three points while Wesley Matthews only scored four.

Trail Blazers 112 (34-38), Timberwolves 100 (28-44)

The C.J. McCollum show was in full effect, as he lit up Minnesota for 32 points in less than 30 minutes of court time. Damian Lillard added 21, and Jusuf Nurkic tallied 14 points with nine boards to put this one away. While the Wolves have lost sixth straight and are comfortably out of the playoff picture, Tom Thibodeau’s rotation players continue to grind. Andrew Wiggins had a team-high 20 points, Karl-Anthony Towns and Ricky Rubio notched 16 apiece, and Kris Dunn scored a career-high 17 points in a reserve role.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/433006/feed/02017 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after the game on March 25, 2017 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Playoff Implicationshttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/post-up-stephen-seth-demar-butler/
http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/post-up-stephen-seth-demar-butler/#respondWed, 22 Mar 2017 06:36:04 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=432387

DeMar DeRozan‘s 42 points toppedJimmy Butler‘s 37, as the Raptors rallied with a late 16-0 run to claim an OT victory. Rajon Rondo had his best performance of the season, netting 24 points with eight dimes. The loss represented the latest blow to Chicago’s playoff chances, as the Bulls now sit two games behind Miami for the eighth see of the Eastern Conference.

What’s likely to generate conversation around the league, however, was Robin Lopez & Serge Ibaka‘s third quarter brawl. Each man appeared to throw punches during the altercation, which may result in fines/penalties.

In what’s been a trying season for the Nets (to put it lightly), Brook Lopez hit a game-winner at the buzzer to send the fans home happy. Lopez recorded 29 on the night, to go with 15 from Caris LeVert and 10 from 10-day signee Archie Goodwin. The Pistons are one game out of the playoff chase with Tuesday’s loss, and Stan an Gundy isn’t happy with his team’s performance.

“The team that played harder and with more energy won the game,” Van Gundy said. “Ish Smith came into the locker room and said, ‘I knew that was going in when he shot it.’ He said it coming down the hallway. I don’t know if I believe in karma. We didn’t deserve to win tonight, they did deserve to win tonight.”

Here’s Lopez’s dagger:

https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/844369543371870208

Heat 112 (35-36), Suns 97 (22-49)

After dropping 23 points with 14 boards, Hassan Whiteside had to depart last night’s game to get 13 stitches on his right hand. While Erik Spoelstra and the Heat are obviously concerned for Whiteside’s health, they claimed sole possession of the eighth seed thanks to 17 points from Tyler Johnson and 16 from Goran Dragic. The Suns weren’t without solid performances- Marquese Chriss scored a team-high 24 points- but Phoenix is in full-blown tank mode.

Pelicans 95 (30-41), Grizzlies 82 (40-31)

True, the Pelicans topped a struggling Grizzlies team (now 4-6 over their last 10), but the Boogie/Brow pairing certainly seems improved since their rocky start. AD dropped 19p/13r while Cousins went off for 41 points/17 boards. The Pels still have just a 2% chance of making the playoffs, per Five Thirty Eight, but a nice late season run could incentive Boogie to re-sign in NOLA.

Warriors 112 (57-14), Mavericks 87 (30-40)

What was billed as a family competition between the Curry brothers quickly turned into a rout, as Golden State outscored Dallas 63-41 between the second and third quarters. Klay Thompson led all scorers with 23 points, Stephen Curry added 17, and Ian Clark recorded 18 off the bench. Dallas’ swoon continued with Tuesday’s loss, as the Mavs have now lost by 20+ in three of their last five games.

Spurs 100 (54-16), Timberwolves 93 (28-42)

The end result was closer than the Spurs would have liked, but San Antonio has now gone 7-3 over their last 10, in prime position to clinch the second seed while resting their starters down the stretch. LaMarcus Aldridge went for a team-high 26 points, Kawhi Leonard added 22, and vets Pau Gasol and Manu Ginobili scored 11 apiece. If nothing else, Andrew Wiggins gave the Wolves a highlight by dunking all over Gasol.

Damian Lillard had a game-high 31 points (and claimed John Henson’s ankles), but Khris Middleton‘s 26 points carried Milwaukee to a much-needed win. Giannis Antetokounpo scored 22 points with eight boards while Greg Monroe had 9p/9r. The loss drops Portland to one game behind Denver for the eighth seed, while Milwaukee moved past Miami into the seventh seed.

Clippers 133 (43-29), Lakers 109 (20-51)

This one got out of hand early for the Lakers, as the Clippers entered halftime with a 70-40 lead. Chris Paul and J.J. Redick scored 27 and 24 points, respectively, while Austin Rivers scored 18 off the bench. With the W, Doc Rivers and the Clippers are up two games on OKC for the fifth seed of the Western Conference.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/post-up-stephen-seth-demar-butler/feed/02017 NBAEDALLAS, TX - MARCH 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Seth Curry #30 of the Dallas Mavericks are seen during the game on March 21, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)Culturehttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-culture/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-culture/#respondMon, 20 Mar 2017 14:56:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=431862

The San Antonio Spurs have built the steadiest and most successful NBA franchise of the last 20 years.

The calendar reads February 12, and the San Antonio Spurs sit at 41-13 heading into a Sunday afternoon tilt against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Any other team with 40 wins before the All-Star break would be getting all types of attention. Would be pegged as a favorite for an NBA title. The Spurs, however, are not any other team. Forty-plus wins before the break is business as usual.

While the Knicks got the best of the Spurs on this blustery afternoon (even the Spurs aren’t immune to a 3:30 tip the day after a Saturday night out in New York), San Antonio will win its 42nd game of the season the next night in Indiana, assuring the franchise its 20th consecutive winning season.

The Spurs, who have rarely made a headline for anything other than winning in over a decade, have a drama-free locker room, a franchise player in the MVP hunt and one of the greatest coaches ever running the show. It is remarkable how different the two teams’ fortunes have been since they met in the 1999 Finals.

Since beating New York in those ’99 Finals, San Antonio has a regular season record of 969-383. They have made the Western Conference finals eight times, advanced to the Finals five times and won four more NBA championships. No other team in the NBA has had nearly as impressive a stretch, yet San Antonio remains one of the most underappreciated teams in all of pro sports.

Their prolonged success begs a simple question: How have the Spurs been this good for this long?

Pop served as general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Spurs before taking over head coaching duties 18 games into the 1996-97 season. That year, the team finished with a 20-62 record—as fortunate a losing season as a franchise can have, as it landed them Tim Duncan in the ’97 NBA Draft. The next season, the Spurs won 56 games. And the following season, Duncan and Pop won their first title together. From there, the Spurs’ dynasty was born.

It is nearly impossible to find a player who has been as important to a team’s personality and success as Tim Duncan, who retired after last season, was to San Antonio’s. Duncan shares the rare distinction of winning a championship and playing for one team his entire career with Willis Reed, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant. While Pop will go down as one of the greatest coaches of all time, Duncan was the cornerstone that set the precedent for every player that has passed through the sleepy Texas city since.

“It’s pretty usual that a team adopts the personality of the franchise player. The problem is, the personality and the philosophy of the franchise player is not always great,” says Boris Diaw, who played for the Spurs from 2012-16. “The thing with Tim is he was such a great teammate and team player and focused so much on winning and playing the right way that the franchise turned into his character and it’s been a good thing for the team for a long time.”

In 2002, RC Buford, who was an assistant coach for the Spurs under Larry Brown in 1988 and remained in the organization from 1994 on, was hired as GM of the team. Working with Pop, the two were tasked with placing the right players around Duncan to win championships and have developed a working relationship that is unlike most in the League.

“RC and I have done everything together,” says Popovich. “From day one, we’ve done everything together and our groups have done everything together. Managers are in coaches meetings, we’re in the managers meetings and walk in as we please. We talk about it, argue about it, have a beer or wine and move on. We’ve done it all together.”

Since San Antonio won a championship in 1999, the game has been in a constant state of evolution. Through the early 2000s, isolation-minded guards and towering centers dominated the game, until Mike D’Antoni came in and flipped the game on its head with Steve Nash and the “Seven Seconds or Less” Suns. When Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce in Boston, a new precedent of “super teams” was set. When LeBron took his talents to South Beach and teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the super team strategy was pumped full of steroids. Today’s game is geared toward small ball, with positionless players roaming freely and favoring the three-pointer over a mid-range jumper. Add in changes to the CBA, gameplay and free agency rules and the NBA has changed drastically during the Pop-Buford era.

And yet, the Spurs have always been either one step ahead of the game or able to immediately adapt on the fly—and have flourished for the past 17 years despite the constant changes.

“Pop is an innovator. He leads the charge in a lot of areas of coaching, especially at this level,” says Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown, a member of Pop’s staff from 2000-03. “He does not rest in terms of thinking about the past. He’s always thinking about what he can do to change and make the Spurs better going forward. Yes, they create space and play fast and all that other stuff, but even back in the day, they played small ball with guys like Malik Rose, who was an undersized power forward. Now he’s going back to the traditional way and playing two bigs. He’ll probably end up changing the trend here again going forward because of the success he’s had with the two big guys on the floor.”

From 2002-16, the franchise was able to plug in a rotating cast of players around Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. The Spurs have scoured the planet to find guys who fit their system, often adding players who flamed out on other teams or in other leagues and turning them into valuable options. Guys like Danny Green, Boris Diaw, Patty Mills, Jonathon Simmons, Bruce Bowen, Rasho Nesterovic, Stephen Jackson and Tiago Splitter have thrived and played major roles on some of the franchise’s best teams.

The front office has been able to pull off crafty moves that have set them up for the coming 10 years, too. Kawhi Leonard, one of the top-10 players in the League right now, was acquired in a 2011 draft night swap for guard George Hill that may go down as one of the best trades ever.

“The Spurs are good at what they do. They are good at finding the right guys who will fit the system, first of all,” says Diaw. “That’s a tribute to RC and the scouting department finding those guys like Manu playing in Europe, even Kawhi or Jonathon Simmons and Danny Green. And then it’s having the right system for them. Those players who were not blossoming somewhere else but are doing great here is because of the system. It’s easier to play in that system and contribute because of your role—you know what you gotta do and Pop makes it comfortable for those players.”

While other coaches have tried and failed to use a no-nonsense, hard-ass approach in the NBA, Pop has been beloved by players because he brings the best out of them on the court. It also helps that he treats every player with the same level of respect—whether it’s the franchise player or the last man on the bench.

“When I did get an opportunity to play, I missed a defensive assignment,” remembers Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who played a handful of games for the Spurs in the 2008-09 season and now serves as a scout for the organization. “Popovich took me out and, rightfully so, he tore me a new one. When I sit down at the end of the bench, I’m thinking that I’m never going to play again. A few seconds later, maybe the next quarter, Tim Duncan makes the same defensive mistake. Popovich takes him out and tears him a new one and basically does the same thing he did to me, to him. It proved to me and showed me why the Spurs have been so successful. Tim Duncan looked at him and said, ‘You know what, Coach? You’re right.’ And goes and sits down at the end of the bench. If the greatest power forward who ever lived does that, what does somebody like myself do?”

Stylistically, the Spurs have played an extra-pass, find-the-open-man, give-up-the-good-shot-for-a-great-shot offense and hard-nosed defense ball that has been dubbed by some as “The Spurs Way.” The offense in place is similar to that found in the EuroLeague; no franchise has had more contributions from international players than San Antonio. Since Pop’s first season, 24 foreign players have suited up in the silver and black—27 if you include Dominique Wilkins (born in France), Steve Kerr (Lebanon) and Tim Duncan (United States Virgin Islands). The system demands that players be skilled in every facet of the game and able to adapt to any style of play based on matchups.

“It is pretty much a European style of play of basketball as far as everyone has a role and everyone contributes,” says Diaw. “Everybody has got to be able to pass and everybody has to be able to think about the game and play defense the right way. It’s not like, OK, we have a shooter and that’s the only thing he can do. Everyone on the Spurs has to be able to do everything and I think in Europe, that philosophy starts at a young age.”

“The better teams in Europe, you have three or four guys who score 10 points or more a game and no one is really a 25-30 point player a game, and that’s kind of what we have here,” adds Latvian rookie Davis Bertans. “I think the games that we have five, six, seven players scoring in double-digits, we’re pretty much unstoppable offensively.”

As the season wears on and teams around the League begin to either make a push for the playoffs, tank for the bottom of the standings or slip into drama-filled disarray, the Spurs (currently 53-16, No. 2 in the Western Conference standings) remain a model of consistency and continue to rack up wins. The precedent and example set by Duncan has officially carried over to the younger guys on the roster. Since TD’s retirement, The Spurs Way won’t be going away any time soon.

“The NBA is full of trends, and other teams try to keep up with the Joneses. The Spurs try to tweak what we’re doing and maintain our principles,” says Mensah-Bonsu. “I think in regards to how we have been able to stay successful is just our personality, and we got that from Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich. I think it will continue with guys like Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. They have adopted those personalities and embraced it and that’s how we continue to be the Spurs.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs-culture/feed/02014 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 15: Manu Ginobili #20, Tony Parker #9, and Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy after defeating the Miami Heat to win the 2014 NBA Finals in Game Five of the 2014 NBA Finals on June 15, 2014 at AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Kawhi Leonard Beats the Hawks in the Clutchhttp://www.slamonline.com/media/slam-tv/kawhi-leonard-beats-hawks-clutch/
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Thanks to 31 points from Kawhi Leonard tonight, the Spurs have moved into first place in the West. Leonard scored 8 of his 31 in the fourth quarter to help the Spurs discard the pesky Hawks, who cut a 15-point lead down to 2 in the game’s final minutes. Leonard shot 10-24 and also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He returned after missing one game because he was in the League’s concussion protocol.

Kawhi Leonard has seriously expanded his offensive game. The 25-year-old is now in his sixth season, but back when he played at San Diego State, Kawhi shot just 25% from three-point range. In the League, he’s a career 40% shooter from distance.

Leonard demonstrated some of that offensive arsenal with a crossover and buzzer beater against Taurean Prince.

Kawhi Leonard suffered a hit to the head in the second half of last night’s game in Oklahoma City and didn’t play in the game’s final 14 minutes. Leonard, in the middle of another MVP caliber season, will now enter the League’s concussion protocol. He’s played in 58 of the Spurs’ 64 games this season, averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. The Spurs are 5-1 when he doesn’t play.

Kawhi Leonard has entered the NBA's Concussion Protocol. He will not play in tomorrow's Spurs-Warriors game. pic.twitter.com/hVrGV1IAhN

Leonard will miss Saturday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. It’s the first meeting between the League’s two best teams since opening night, when the Spurs destroyed the Warriors, 129-100. Golden State sits two games ahead of San Antonio in the standings.

To pass the League’s concussion protocols, players have to be able to pass these tests:

He is without concussion-related symptoms at rest. He has been evaluated by a physician. He has successfully completed the NBA return-to-participation exertion protocol. A team physician has discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with the Director of the NBA concussion program, Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher.

“We don’t talk about MVP Awards,” Gregg Popovich said after Leonard’s 39 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks led the Spurs to their dramatic, Monday night win over the Houston Rockets opened the Kawhi-for-MVP floodgates. “We don’t’ talk about any awards. We don’t talk about championships. We just play the game. Everybody tries to do what they can to make the team better and whatever records or awards or wins that come, that’s the way it is.”

But neither Popovich nor Leonard can stop others from trumpeting Leonard’s case as a legitimate MVP candidate, even in the Year of the Triple Double that has passed him by. Kings assistant coach Elston Turner on Wednesday gave Leonard the ultimate MVP endorsement: a favorable comparison to Michael Jordan.

“I played two years with Michael and defended him in practice every day,” said Turner, a solid defender who spent the 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons with the Chicago Bulls. “I saw how competitive Mike was, literally up close and personal. What I saw him do the other night (vs. Houston), well, that was what Mike was like every second he was on the floor. And now I see the same things in Kawhi that I saw with Michael, especially when you’re talking both ends (of the floor). It’s that competitive thing, and it doesn’t seem to matter if they’re up 20 or down 20. It’s always the same every time I watch him play. And, just like Mike, it seems like he never gets tired. They both have a stamina that other guys just don’t have. It’s amazing.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kings-assistant-compares-kawhi-leonard-michael-jordan/feed/02017 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 6: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Houston Rockets on March 6, 2017 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Pau Gasol: Kawhi Leonard is the MVPhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/pau-gasol-kawhi-leonard-mvp/
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According to Pau Gasol, Kawhi Leonard is the clear-cut most valuable player in the NBA.

“I was in complete awe,” (Manu) Ginobili said, after Leonard’s late heroics spearheaded a 112-110 come-from-behind victory over Houston. “I couldn’t believe what he did.”

Leonard finished with 39 points, his fourth consecutive 30-point outing and 23rd of the season, to lead the Spurs. […] Harden, widely considered the frontrunner for the award, also scored 39 points to go with 12 assists.

“The block is what makes him special,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “Obviously, the three … everybody does that. But I don’t know who goes on the other end and does what he does. Not many people on a consistent basis.”

“He’s not the guy that just puts up 30 points and that’s it,” Gasol said. “He makes huge plays defensively. So to me, he’s my MVP.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/pau-gasol-kawhi-leonard-mvp/feed/02017 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 6: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 6, 2017 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: The Klaw Delivershttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-klaw-delivers-kawhi-leonard/
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Kawhi puts on a show, Waiters ices the Cavs, the Nets upset the Grizzlies, and more from Monday.

Milwaukee shot 49% from the field and 42% from three and never trailed in this one. Giannis led the way with 24 points and 8 boards, while Tony Snell pitched in a season-high 21. One positive for the Sixers: recent acquisition Justin Anderson scored 19 points in just 23 minutes off the bench.

Knicks 113 (26-38), Magic 105 (23-41)

The Carmelo-less (sore knee) Knicks used a big fourth quarter (28-13) to get the win on the road. Seven players scored in double figures, led by Courtney Lee’s 20, and New York shot a scorching 96.4% from the free throw line (27-28). For Orlando, Elfrid Payton had his first triple-double of the season (16p, 10a, 11r) and Bismack Biyombo put Porzingis on a poster.

For the Heat, Dion Waiters delivered with 29 points, including the dagger three. LeBron (30p, 17r) and Kyrie (32p, 7r) did work in the losing effort.

Warriors 119 (52-11), Hawks 111 (34-29)

The Splash Brothers were a combined 13/32 from the field, but their teammates picked up the slack. Andre Iguodala had a season-high 24 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Overall, Atlanta allowed the Warriors to hit 20 threes on 44 attempts.

Schroder scored 19 in the first quarter alone (a career-best for a single period), but finished with just 23 after being benched for the mishap above.

Pistons 109 (31-32), Bulls 95 (31-32)

Reggie Jackson came alive in this one, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half (on 10/10 from the field) and leading Detroit to a big win at home. The Bulls, who were without Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, got 27 points from Jimmy Butler and 18 from Robin Lopez.

Nets 122 (11-51), Grizzlies 109 (36-28)

How about this? Jeremy Lin, who has played in just 17 games this season, dropped 18 points, including nine straight in the fourth quarter, to help Brooklyn pull off the upset. Sean Kilpatrick added 23 on just FIVE shot attempts.

This was the Nets’ second win in the last 20 games. Mike Conley scored 32 for the Grizz, who have lost three straight.

Hornets 100 (28-35), Pacers 88 (32-31)

Kemba Walker (28p, 7a, 6r) and Nicolas Batum (21p, 4r, 4a) were all over this one, as the Hornets cruised to a victory at home.

Charlotte attempted 21 free throws, compared to just 3 for the Pacers. Paul George had a monster game (36p, 10r, 5a), but Indiana just couldn’t get the job done.

Spurs 112 (49-13), Rockets 110 (44-20)

Game of the night. The two MVP candidates dueled, with Kawhi Leonard posting 39 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists and James Harden registering 39 points and 12 dimes. But it was the Klaw who came through in the clutch.

Overall, Leonard outscored the Beard 17-4 in the fourth quarter. The Spurs have now won eight in a row.

Nuggets 108 (29-34), Kings 96 (25-38)

No Jokic (out with an illness), no problem. Wilson Chandler scored a career-high 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the Nuggets bounce back from a loss to Charlotte. As a team, Denver shot 49% from the field and 43% from deep. Darren Collison had 17 points for the Kings, who have fallen in five straight contests.

Jazz 88 (40-24), Pelicans 83 (25-39)

Utah showed off their defensive skills, holding the Pels to 35% shooting from the field and 30% from three. Boogie and Anthony Davis were a combined 12/32. Gordon Hayward (23p, 7r) and Rudy Gobert (15p, 15r, 2b) put in work for the Jazz. New Orleans is now 2-5 since the All-Star break.

Clippers 116 (38-25), Celtics 102 (40-24)

Los Angeles owned the second half, outscoring Boston 73-56. For the game, they shot a scorching 53% from the field and 45% from three. Blake Griffin led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Isaiah Thomas had 32 points on 10/19 shooting for the Celtics.

It took them an overtime win to get there, but the Spurs have now clinched a postseason berth for the 20th consecutive season. Gregg Popovich has been at the helm for all 20 seasons, joining Phil Jackson as the only coaches to hold the all-time honor (Jackson’s streak spanned 21 seasons).

Kawhi Leonard (34 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (18p, 10r) played over 40 minutes for the second straight night, and Pau Gasol dropped 17 points off the bench to cement the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns was his usual self, scoring 24 points with 14 boards, but Andrew Wiggins was just 6-of-24 from the field in a disappointing loss.

Not completely sure but very possible the Spurs have a better record down by double-digits than Wolves do when ahead by double-digits.

C.J. McCollum scored 31 points and Al-Farouq Aminu added 23, helping Portland gain a game on Denver for the Western Conference eighth seed. Sean Kilpatrick hit a career-high six 3-pointers and Brook Lopez scored 26, but Kenny Atkinson’s Nets fell to 3-27 on the road.

Pistons 136 (29-32), 76ers 106 (23-38)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went off for a game-high 26 points- 16 of which came in the second quarter alone. Stan Van Gundy, who recently criticized Reggie Jackson’s lack of energy, received stellar production from his guards. Jackson recorded 21 points on 9/14 shooting, and Ish Smith added a double-double (13a, 11p). With Jahlil Okafor sidelined, the Sixers absorbed a beating; though Nik Stauskas provided a nice highlight with this move:

The Cavs were hard-pressed to compete in this one, as Ty Lue announced LeBron James and Kyrie Irving would take a night of rest. Miami scored 101 points through the first three quarters, as Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside tallied 23 and 20 points, respectively. Deron Williams received an extensive look with his new team, scoring 10 points with seven dimes over 26 minutes. J.R. Smith- who’s still at least a week away from returning- got into it with Rodney McGruder and Dion Waiters after the game.

Spencer Hawes not only scored his first points with the Bucks in this one, he’d shoot 6-7 from the field and finish with a +14 in Milwaukee’s second straight W. Khris Middleton scored 24 and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 21, as the Bucks are now just 1.5 games behind the eighth seed. Milwaukee could conceivably make a playoff push, especially with Terrence Jones on the way.

Clippers 101 (36-25), Bulls 91 (31-30)

Jamal Crawford saved the day with 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting off the bench, helping the Clippers win Saturday’s primetime match-up. The Bulls- who used 11 different players in the loss- received just 10 points from Dwyane Wade and four turnovers from Rajon Rondo. D-Wade gave full props to Crawford after the defeat:

“Crawford went one-on-one, and you can’t do nothing when he’s going like that,’’ Wade said. “It wasn’t so much defensive breakdowns as it was [Crawford] making shots.’’

Hornets 112 (26-35), Nuggets 102 (28-33)

Johnny O’Bryant, currently on his third 10-day contract of the season, scored a career-high 15 points in Charlotte’s crucial road victory. Kemba Walker scored 27 and Nic Batum added 21, guiding the Hornets to victory following a 17-0 first quarter run. Nikola Jokic continues to emerge as one of the league’s premier young talents, scoring 31 points with 14 boards and four dimes.

Rockets 123 (43-19), Grizzlies 108 (36-26)

The Rockets are going to be a handful to deal with in the playoffs. Even on off-shooting nights from Lou Williams and Ryan Anderson, Houston drilled 18 3-pointers, improving to 8-2 over their last 10 games. Mike Conley and JaMychal Green each exceeded 20 points, but as coach David Fizdale attested to after the game, Memphis just wasn’t able to contain Houston’s offense.

“We stopped defending the 3-point line with discipline and it just doesn’t take long with them,” Fizdale said. “It’s really like three or four possessions that can bust a game open for this team and that’s what happened.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-up-playoff-bound-popovich-spurs-leonard/feed/02017 Getty ImagesCHICAGO, IL - MARCH 04: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls tries to knock the ball away from Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers at the United Center on March 4, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Clippers defeated the Bulls 101-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)Kawhi and the Spurs Outlast the Pelicans in OThttp://www.slamonline.com/media/slam-tv/kawhi-spurs-outlast-pelicans-ot/
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The Klaw finishes with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals to lead SAS to a 101-98 win.

New Orleans got their first win post-All-Star break, but it happened without Boogie Cousins on the floor. Anthony Davis was amazing with 33 points and 14 rebounds, but the Pistons practically handed this game away.

Detroit shot just 3-23 from three and 3-17 from the line in easily their worst shooting night of the season.

With Wade, Butler, Mirotic, and Zipser sitting out, the Bulls struggled to keep up with Minnesota. They trailed by 17 after the first quarter and never made it a contest, turning the ball over 18 total times and being outscored 56-38 in the paint. Wiggins led all scorers with 27 on 10/19 shooting. KAT did his thing as well, posting 22 and 7 boards.

Knicks 94 (23-33), Spurs 90 (41-13)

After losing four straight and dealing with the Charles Oakley drama, no one really expected the Knicks to compete with the second best team in the league. But they brought it.

It was the Knicks’ defense that won them the game, however, as they held San Antonio to just 36% shooting from the field. Porzingis had 4 of the team’s 8 blocks. Kawhi was the only one who really hurt them, posting 34 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

Pistons 102 (26-29), Raptors 101 (32-23)

Trailing by 16 entering the fourth quarter, the Pistons didn’t seem to stand a chance. But they crawled their way back and KCP delivered in the clutch, snapping a four-game skid. Andre Drummond posted his 36th double-double of the season with 10 points and 18 big rebounds. DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 26 points and had a chance to knock down the game-winner, but came up short. He believed he was fouled on the play:

Two of the league’s best big men went head-to-head in this one, with Cousins’ Kings prevailing over Davis’ Pelicans. Boogie posted a 28p/14r/7a line while AD had 32p/10r/3a. New Orleans played a bulk of the game without Buddy Hield, as the rookie was ejected for this:

The Wizards are on a tear. They haven’t lost at home since December 6. John Wall’s 33 points and 11 assists led them to their 16th straight Verizon Center win. Bradley Beal had 23 points and Marcin Gortat had 21. Washington held the Lakers to just 15 points in the second quarter and were able to maintain the lead from there.

James Harden had an 18-point third quarter and helped the Rockets build a 20-point advantage in the fourth. Then the Hawks woke up. Tim Hardaway Jr. became Superman and Dwight Howard continued to chip away in the paint. Hardaway had 23 of Atlanta’s 40 fourth quarter points. He finished with a career-best 33 on 12-18 shooting. Howard had 24 points and 23 rebounds in his first return to Houston. In addition to scoring 40 in the final frame, the Hawks held the high-powered Rocket offense to 22. Houston shot 13-51 from three and the Hawks had 56 rebounds, compared to the Rockets’ 38. Harden had 41, 8, 8 and 4 steals in the loss.

Without Joel Embiid (rest), Nerlens Noel (upper respiratory infection) and Robert Covington (sore wrist), the Sixers couldn’t keep up with the Spurs. Ersan Ilyasova and Dario Saric were the only Sixers to score in double-figures, while the Spurs had seven players score at least 11, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 19. Philly shot 34% for the game and lost the rebounding battle 57-48.

The Clippers made a late charge, but the Warriors had too much firepower. Klay Thompson had 21 points and 7 rebounds, Kevin Durant had 26 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds and Stephen Curry had 29 points and 11 dimes. Blake Griffin had a season-high 31 points to go along with his 8 rebounds. Golden State led for the whole game, by as much as 21. They had 38 assists on 52 fields goals and scored more than 130 points for the seventh time this season.

It’s the same story for the floundering Knicks, who are now 3-7 over their last 10 games. The team’s $72 million man, Joakim Noah, appears to have been leapfrogged in Jeff Hornacek’s rotation by Willy Hernangomez, who recorded an impressive double-double.

Raptors 108 (30-19), Pelicans 106 (19-30)

This one appeared destined for double-OT after Anthony Davis hit a clutch shot to tie things up at 106. Kyle Lowry had other ideas, however, burying a tough jumper to put Toronto ahead for good.

Jrue Holiday posted a 30-point stat line in the loss, and Anthony Davis grabbed 17 boards with 18 points. AD was on the receiving end of a highlight-reel jam, however, as Norman Powell threw one down over the former Kentucky Wildcat.

James Harden scored a season-low 10 points, Ryan Anderson picked up the slack with 25 points (including six from beyond the arc) and Eric Gordon added 17. Sacramento shot a woeful 34.9% from the field, not able to generate momentum behind DeMarcus Cousins’ 16 points. The more interesting story beyond the court…

It was Dame Time at the Moda Center, as Lillard torched Charlotte for 27 points (his 10th career 20+ point game against the Hornets). Portland has now won four of their last five, bumping Charlotte to the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference. Kemba Walker achieved a milestone in the loss; surpassing Larry Johnson for third place on the Hornets’ all-time scoring list.

As could have been expected, there wasn’t much defense to be found in this match-up of sub-.500 Western Conference teams. The Lakers shot a combined 52.8% from the field, featuring 20+ point performances from Nick Young, D’Angelo Russell, and Lou Williams. Rookie big man Ivica Zubac got in on the action with 17 points; earning props from Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

“He’s really talented,” Jokic said of Zubac. “He finishes around the rim. He can dunk the ball. He’s a good rim protector. He just needs a couple of years to become an NBA player. He’ll be really good. He has a bright future.”

Low-key, one of the best rivalries in the NBA is the one between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard that dates back to Bron’s days in Miami. Last night, the Spurs and Cavaliers tipped off and the two teams did not disappoint. Leonard scored a career-high 41 points and held James to 29 points, 7 assists and 6 boards in the Spurs win.

Despite James Harden’s 13th triple-double of the season (40p, 12r, 10a), Goran Dragic and the Heat earned their first victory since Jan. 4. Dragic tallied 21 points with eight boards and eight dimes, Wayne Ellington dropped 18, and Dion Waiters scored 17. The Rockets, who were without Ryan Anderson against Miami, will have a tough match-up with the Warriors on Friday.

ESPN has removed Heat vs Bulls from their January 27 NBA broadcast schedule and replaced it with Rockets vs Sixers.

No Kyle Lowry? No problem. DeMar DeRozan lit up the Nets for 36 points and Cory Joseph added a career-high 33, lifting Toronto to a franchise-best 28-13 record at the midway point of the season. Brook Lopez scored a team-high 28 points and rookie Caris Levert added 14, but the Nets’ 11-game skid continued.

Mavericks 99 (13-27), Bulls 98 (19-22)

Jimmy Butler was this close to playing hero in Tuesday’s match-up. “Buckets” knocked down a clutch jumper to put Chicago ahead with just 22.8 seconds left in regulation, before Deron Williams found Wesley Matthews for a game-deciding 3-pointer in Dallas’ final possession.

Butler double-doubled (24p, 12a) and Robin Lopez added 21 in a tough loss for the Bulls.

Spurs 122 (32-8), Timberwolves 114 (14-27)

The T’Wolves showed off their offensive potential in the early-going, netting 71 first half points. However, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge were ultimately too much for Tom Thibodeau’s squad, scoring a combined 63 points in Leonard’s fourth consecutive 30+ point game. Karl-Anthony Towns and Ricky Rubio each double-doubled, but Andrew Wiggins was limited to just eight shot attempts on the night.

Defense wasn’t a priority for either team, as the Nuggets utilized a 13-2 first half run to maintain their lead for good at the Staples Center.

https://twitter.com/DannyLeroux/status/821592076563468289

Will Barton was a perfect 5-5 from beyond the arc in a 26-point night, and Nikola Jokic was stellar in a 29-point, 15-rebound showing. Ivica Zubac was effective in his return from a D-League assignment, though he did get dunked on by Wilson Chandler:

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/post-up-big-shot-wes/feed/02017 NBAELOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 17: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets goes for a lay up against the Denver Nuggets during the game on January 17, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: New Mayor of Mexico Cityhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-mayor-new-mexico-devin-booker-suns/
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Devin Booker scored 39 points for a second straight game, Lob City was in full effect, plus more from Saturday.

Devin Booker tied his career-high with 39 points in the Suns’ second straight game in Mexico City. Booker, who had scored 28 fourth quarter points in Thursday’s loss to the Mavericks, is now averaging a torrid 31 points on 54.9% shooting over his last five games. As teammate Jared Dudley pointed out, Booker has taken to Mexico City quite well.

Kawhi Leonard dropped 38 points, while Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for 30 in the close loss. As Adam Silver indicated early Saturday, the NBA is looking to build upon their growing market in Mexico City.

“The next step before we start talking about a franchise in Mexico City is to bring more games here, and we have this two regular-season games and whether we bring additional regular-season games next season or do some sort of tournament with several teams playing each other, that is something that we are looking at.”

Clippers 113 (28-14), Lakers 97 (15-29)

DeAndre Jordan was locked in, scoring 24 points with 21 rebounds in the Clippers’ sixth straight W. Chris Paul connected with Jordan on several lobs, including this funny interaction:

The Lakers finished strong, tallying 58 second half points. Jordan Clarkson spearheaded the team’s scoring, recording 21 points off the bench. Despite each receiving starting roles, Metta World Peace and Ivan Zubac combined for just six minutes of court time.

Bulls 107 (20-21), Pelicans 99 (16-25)

Jimmy Butler returned to the Bulls’ lineup in a big way, scoring 28 points with four steals after missing the last three games with a flu. Buckets had scored 20+ points in the six games leading up to his illness, and – as evidenced by Saturday’s performance – he’s clearly back at full strength. Dwyane Wade added 22 points, while Taj Gibson double-doubled (16r, 15p). Anthony Davis, who had missed the Pelicans’ last game against the Nets with a bruised hip, was stellar in his return to the court; scoring 36 points with 14 boards.

Just when it appeared Jahlil Okafor was exiled from Brett Brown’s rotation, the former Blue Devil dropped a game-high 26 points with nine boards. The Joel Embiid-less 76ers were unable to top the Wizards, however, as John Wall went for 25 points, seven boards, and seven dimes over 30 minutes. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot had the best game of his young NBA career, scoring 12 points with six boards and a pair of assists. While he only scored two points on the night, Nik Stauskas provided a memorable highlight by crossing up Kelly Oubre Jr.

https://vine.co/v/53XEPwlH7TO

Jazz 114 (26-16), Magic 107 (17-25)

Gordon Hayward scored a team-high 23 points and Rudy Gobert posted a monster double-double (19p, 19r), but Quin Snyder’s Jazz will be focused on Rodney Hood’s health after Saturday’s W. Hood hit the ground hard late in the fourth quarter, suffering a hyperextended right knee.

https://youtu.be/jZMf3tPVGZE

The Magic scored a season-high first quarter points, but were unable to capitalize on their momentum; scoring 42 in the second half. Elfrid Payton had a huge game off the bench while D.J. Augustin went scoreless in a starting role.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-mayor-new-mexico-devin-booker-suns/feed/02017 NBAEMEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 14: Eric Bledsoe #2 and Tyler Ulis #8 of the Phoenix Suns high five each other after the game against the San Antonio Spurs as part of NBA Global Games at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on January 14, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Overtime Bucketshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-overtime-buckets-bulls-raptors/
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Jimmy Butler lifted the Bulls to a thrilling overtime win, Russell Westbrook's 17th triple-double, and more from Saturday.

After snapping a six-game skid against the Bucks on Friday, the Knicks absorbed another tough defeat in Indiana on Saturday. Kristaps Porzingis committed five turnovers in a 16-point showing, while Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings tallied 17 points apiece. Paul George and Jeff Teague led Indiana’s scoring with 19 points each.

Per the NY Post, the Knicks are now 0-7 in second games of back-to-back contests this season.

Pacers are at the magic 110 point mark, in which they are 13-1 when hitting this season.

Entering Saturday’s game averaging 30.7 points over his last six games, Isaiah Thomas dropped 38 points in a win over Anthony Davis (36 points, 15 rebounds) and the Pelicans. Marcus Smart added 22 points, including five from beyond the arc, and Gerald Green chipped in 15 off the bench. Donatas Motiejunas made his Pelicans debut, scoring 11 points.

Thunder 121 (22-16), Nuggets 106 (14-23)

Russell Westbrook recorded 18 triple-doubles last season…following Saturday’s 32p/17r/11a stat line, he’s only one shy of that total this year. Steven Adams contributed 16 points on the night, while Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter combined for 29. The Nuggets, who played without Nikola Jokic or Gary Harris last night, will look to regroup against the Pacers on Thursday.

Tom Thibodeau recently remarked his team is “finding new ways to lose,” and Saturday’s match-up against Utah was no exception. Despite solid performances from Zach LaVine and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Jazz ended Saturday’s game on an 11-0 run.

In an overtime thriller, Jimmy Butler’s 42 points lifted Chicago over Kyle Lowry (27 points, 12 boards) and the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan had 36 points in the close loss, and Dwyane Wade added 20 for the Bulls. Fred Hoiberg has continued to leave Rajon Rondo out of his rotations, which could lead to an awkward moment Monday night.

https://twitter.com/NickFriedell/status/817902445330333696

Spurs 102 (30-7), Hornets 85 (20-18)

Entering Saturday, Davis Bertans’ previous career-high was 15 points; the 24-year-old had only scored in double-digits twice this season. Bertans went off for 21 points against Charlotte, however, including this impressive slam:

“You just have to stay with it,” said Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who finished with a game-high 28 points. “They play well here. They have a skilled group, a lot of guys who can score in a lot of different ways. You just have to pick up your defense and stay with it.”

Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points after a slow shooting start, (Tony) Parker set the tone with 21 points and nine assists and Aldridge had his way with any Denver defender dispatched to guard him.

(Nuggets head coach Mike) Malone came into the game grumbling about his team’s defense, which he had called “embarrassing” and “a joke” after Denver lost to Sacramento earlier in the week. […] “Our defense started to cave amongst all their talent and pressure,” Malone said.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kawhi-leonard-steals-ball-teammate-pau-gasol-scores/feed/02016 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 11: Pau Gasol #16 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shake hands during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 11, 2016 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Stat Sheet Stuffinghttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-stat-sheet-stuffing/
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Nic Batum registered the night’s first big game. He racked up 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block and 1 steal. It’s his first trip-dub of the season and the Hornets third straight win. Kemba Walker had 20 and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Both Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson were ejected late in the game for retaliating to what they thought was dirty play. Jimmy Butler did his best to keep Chicago in it, scoring 26, but he couldn’t get the Bulls to recover from their 38% shooting from the field.

For Orlando, Elfrid Payton had 25 points and 9 dimes. He was backed up by four other Magic players in double-figures. They never trailed and built as much as a 25-point lead.

Cavs 119 (22-6), Nets 99 (7-22)

Gotta feel bad for the Nets. 24 hours after they surrendered a 16-point lead to the Warriors, they get absolutely jumped by the Cavs. LeBron James scored 19, Kevin Love grabbed 15 boards and Kyrie Irving dished out 10 assists. The wine & gold led by as many as 46 at one point. This one was never a contest. The Nets have now lost five in a row.

Russell Westbrook isn’t human. He’s a basketball robot sent from the future to change the way we think about hoops. He went off for 45 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Boston. Isaiah Thomas had a masterful 34 points and 10 dimes, but it doesn’t matter because Russ just sucks up all the life that’s around him on the floor. He’s become a force. He stepped up huge in the clutch, scoring OKC’s final 15 points of the game. ROBOT.

This game was tied with 1:31 left. Draymond Green broke free for his first basket of the night and the Warriors were able to hold on. Kevin Durant shot 13-18 for 32 points and Stephen Curry had 25 and 8 assists. JaVale McGee chipped in 15 off the bench.

The Pistons forced 23 turnovers, the most that the Warriors have coughed up this season. Tobias Harris had 26 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 25. Despite the turnovers, the Dubs shot 55% and overcame 18 lead changes and 10 ties.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s getting better by the day. The Greek Freak scored a career-high 39 tonight, to go along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He was hitting midrange pullups, driving finger-rolls, sweeping baby hooks. He was dunking on folks. He did it all. There was no way he was going to let the Bucks lose this game. Jabari Parker added an efficient 21 points and 8 ‘bounds, while Greg Monroe pulled down 11 rebounds and Malcolm Brogdon had 7 assists. The Bucks shot 56% from the field, 24-27 from the line and led by as many as 31. John Wall had 18 and 10 in the loss.

Ryan Anderson shot 8-14 from distance on his way to 31 points. James Harden had 17 assists, 16 points, 9 turnovers and 7 rebounds.

Pelicans 91 (11-21), Heat 87 (10-21)

Even though the Pelicans haven’t been able to win consistently, Anthony Davis is still balling. The Brow had a career-best 22 rebounds to go with his 28 points and 4 blocks. He shot 10-17 from the field, out-dueling Hassan Whiteside’s 10 points and 18 rebounds.

The Heat had a 14-point lead in the third and the Brow had 19 of his points and 14 of his rebounds in the second half. Jrue Holiday and Langston Galloway helped Davis. The Pels scored 37 points in the last 16 minutes to seal it.

Kings 109 (13-17), Wolves 105 (9-20)

Zach LaVine hit 40 points for the first time in his career, also making 7 three-pointers, which is another personal best. He’s proving himself to be a dynamic offensive threat, capable of scoring binges.

But DeMarcus Cousins is also a beast. Kinfolk had 21 of his 32 in the second half, and also had 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. He led the Kings back from a 9-point second half deficit. Sac-Town hit a season-high 15 treys, with 5 coming from Anthony Tolliver’s cannon.

The Hawks were down 108-100 with 1:38 left. In that final stretch, they didn’t make a single field goal. Instead, they shot 9-9 from the free throw line to secure a very strange road win. Paul Millsap made the g0-ahead buckets after getting fouled on a jumper from the left baseline with 6 seconds left. He had 20, Dennis Schroeder had 27 for Atlanta, who was without Dwight Howard.

Raptors 104 (21-8), Jazz 98 (18-13)

After missing most of the third quarter because of a busted lip that required stitches, Kyle Lowry delivered one of his best quarters. He shot 9-10 in the final frame, scoring 19 of his 36. He was devastating. He got to the rack, hit a three from the parking lot and hit backbreaking middies. The 36 points (15-20 shooting) is a season-high for Lowry. Gordon Hayward had 23 for Utah. The Jazz lost a 5-point fourth quarter advantage.

Suns 123 (9-21), Sixers 116 (7-22)

The Suns shot 12-26 from distance and 27-37 from the line. Behind a combined 47 points and 17 assists from Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker, they survived 27 points and 7 boards from Joel Embiid.

Spurs 110 (24-6), Blazers 90 (13-19)

Kawhi Leonard hit 5 three-balls to finish with 33 points. It’s his eighth game of 30 or more this season. He was 9-15 from the field and 5-7 from deep. As a team, the Spurs shot 12-20 from outside the arc and 20-21 at the foul line. They had more steals, blocks and rebounds than the Blazers and Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum only scored a combined 32 points. The Blazers have now lost five in a row.

Harrison Barnes sank the game-winning bucket with 3 seconds remaining to give him 24 points on the game. Deron Williams had 12 points and 9 assists and Dirk Nowitzki made his return after sitting the previous 14 games because of a strained right Achilles. He dropped a light 17 points in 14 minutes, but he didn’t play at all in the second half.

The Clippers were without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Austin Rivers picked up the scoring slack, drilling 4 three-pointers on his way to 16 points. Jamal Crawford had 26 points. DeAndre Jordan pulled down 17 rebounds but only had 7 points. JJ Redick also struggled, scoring 11 points.

It was a night to remember at the AT&T Center, as legendary big man Tim Duncan was honored with a jersey retirement ceremony. The future Hall-of-Famer was remembered through speeches from Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich before concluding the night by addressing the crowd. Check out Pop, Parker, and Ginobili’s speeches below.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/watch-tim-duncan-gives-speech-jersey-retirement/feed/02016 NBAEOKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MAY 12: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Numbers on the Boardhttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-numbers-board-2/
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DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry and Dwyane Wade stepped up in the clutch and the Sixers finally got their first road win of the season.

The young Wolves still have some maturing to do. After an early 12-point lead behind a quick start from Andrew Wiggins, the Raptors tied the game at 59 after two quarters. Minnesota’s Big Three took turns dominating and all finished with good numbers–29 for Zach LaVine, 25 for Wiggins and 17 and 11 for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Toronto trailed by a point with 8:46 left until, of course, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry led a 17-4 run, and a 36-21 fourth quarter score. DeRozan had 27, Lowry had 25 points and 11 dimes and Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 20 points and 11 boards. It’s the Wolves’ thirteenth straight loss in Toronto.

Things got frosty for the Nuggets in this one. They shot 7-32 from distance and bricked their final 14 attempts. They also had 27 turnovers. Yet they held a 14-point lead through the third quarter. Then Bradley Beal woke up and dropped 26 points for Washington. He and John Wall helped the Wizards hold on in the clutch.

The Grizzlies have won five in a row since losing Mike Conley to injury. Marc Gasol went for 36 points (4-6 from three) and 9 rebounds, while Damian Lillard shot only 6-18 en route to 19 points. Gasol did most of the heavy lifting, but newly signed Toney Douglas sealed the win with a pair of free-throws that gave Memphis the lead. He scored the last six points for the Grizz. He and Gasol led Memphis back from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit.

“‘We don’t win that game without him,” Grizz head coach David Fizdale said about Douglas. “Fresh off the street, but that’s who he is. He’s a bulldog.”

Sixers 99 (5-18), Pelicans 88 (7-16)

The last time the Sixers won on the road? January 20, 2016 against the Magic. It was their sixth win of the season. They already have five Ws this year, which is progress, albeit slow progress. Ersan Ilyasova scored 23 to lead five Sixers in double-digits. Philly had 27 assists on 39 field goals.

Anthony Davis had 26 and 11 for New Orleans. Langston Galloway added 19, but no one else scored more than 8 points for the Pels. They shot 7-25 and have now lost four in a row.

Warriors 106 (20-3), Jazz 99 (14-10)

Without Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood, Gordon Hayward and George Hill in uniform, the Warriors were up by as many as 25. But the Jazz fought back and outscored the Dubs by 12 in the second half. They were down five in the middle of the fourth. Then Kevin Durant got back-to-back dunks and Golden State hung on for the win. Stephen Curry scored 26, Durant had 21.

Without their four best players, the Jazz scored by committee. A career-best 21 for Joe Ingles, 20 and 17 rebounds for Rudy Gobert and 19 from Shelvin Mack wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors.

Bulls 95 (12-10), Spurs 91 (19-5)

The Bulls handed the Spurs their first road loss of the season, ending the silver and black’s 13-game winning streak. Chicago was up for the whole game, at one point by 18. This game was close, however. After a Pau Gasol three-ball, the Bulls had only a 4-point advantage. The Bulls hung on with free-throws, despite a highlight-filled 24 points (8 rebounds and 5 assists) from Kawhi Leonard. Dwyane Wade had 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Rajon Rondo had 12 points, 10 ‘bounds and 9 helpers.

Patty Mills added 15 points off the bench, while Pau Gasol finished with 11 points and seven rebounds to help San Antonio remain perfect away from their home floor.

Last season’s Golden State Warriors set the NBA record with 14 consecutive road Ws.

Per the Express-News:

“By this point, it’s clear that he’s a confident player,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. “He knows he’s got a green light. We call his number every now and then, but he does a lot of stuff on his own. He’s getting pretty good in pick and roll, so he just advances his game every year a little bit in some different fashion. Tonight he did the same thing – pulled up, knocked down a couple threes and has confidence that they’re going to go. Special young man.”

From the second to the fourth quarter Leonard scored 31 of the Spurs’ 86 points. Asked his mindset as he took over the offense, Leonard responded: “Just trying to stay focused to the next possession. Trying to win the basketball game.”

Leonard finished the game with his sixth 30-plus point game this season.

Kawhi Leonard is now 4-8 on potential go-ahead shots in the final 10 seconds of the 4th quarter/OT in his career. He’s made 3 of his last 4 of those shots. The Klaw’s final bucket gave him 23 on the game and moved the Spurs to 16-4 on the Kobe-like fadeaway.